labels make fools of all of us
because we’re never just one thing
this body
i was born with it
life brings such wonders
come fall and spring

a homeless girl sat on the street
dirty clothes. no shoes on her feet
a sign saying “help me”
her eyes so sad and lonely
i had no food nor money on me
i should have brought her food to eat

living in the grey
color lost for days
such lacking
even my bruises fade

was i ever in real danger?
why did i stay?
the voice in my head
too loud and too angry

a cry escaped my mouth
my mind begins to rouse
as always authenticity
leaves no room for doubt

running like being hunted
down a winding path
a slippery slope of wishes
i may never wish to get back

i used to be afraid of the dark
when shadows appeared
lurking around corners
and under beds
and monsters came searching
when dreams turned perilous
but only i seem to take notice

you took my heart and made it yours. you said you’d keep it safe. we both said things we can’t unsay…knives piercing through my shame.

vision blurring from cascading tears, words obscure. held captive by feelings. until we could give no more.