give my words back
the ones i have earned through
the books that i've read
in all the years that have passed
give my words back
even the nastiest ones
the sharpest, boldest, the lethal
give my words back
for i cannot even write
for the simplest memoir anymore
give my words back
even the ones you cannot
and will not take
give my words back
i beg you just to grant me
enough power to be sane
and writing is my sanity
don't take it away from me
give me my words back
because even if you
did give them all back to me
they will always and always
speak to you
they will always speak of you
but at least let me keep them
after all, you can only be mine
in words