i thought of ants and how they colonize
and remembered the importance of my breath.
offset the thinning path
were pink and purple blossoms.
blue jays appeared to
keep the cardinals mindful
while the thaw of spring dispelled
the white curse of winter.
i watched their dance on broken twigs
and their consciousness budding forefront,
i thought about the importance to their dance
and forgot about my breath.

masses of aluminum color
regarded my need for space.
offset the flattened tar,
my chains churned in earnest
while synthetics fought the earth and
purple blossoms danced in their own way.
i am guilty of fighting in that war,
guerrilla tribes of rubbered feet,
propelled by accepting neglect.
these bodies are filled with meters
to measure varying complications,
none of which are relevant in our time.
but still i continued to fight and dance
and remember my need for breath
while the jays and cardinals
danced amongst the pink and purple blossoms

budding full of consciousness,
disregarding our foolish guerrilla fight.

You have spoken
Too many times
Only to shut them up
Each time, a little more
"It's your fault"
"Grow up, get stronger"
"Cut the drama"
"You attention-seeker"
Do you think, you're helping?
"I'm saying this, because I care"
One can see that you do, oh just how much you do
"Oh c'mon, it can't be all that bad!"
"I got out of it, so can you"
"You're NOT depressed, just sad"
"You're in depression"
"You need help"
"Go to a counselor"
"Get yourself checked"
"Learn to control your mind"
"Hush, don't talk about it. People will judge you."
"Sorry, you cannot get the job. Why don't you come back once you're in a better state?"
Help isn't help when the intention shows through
Which is clearly not to help
If you really care
If you're really human enough
Here's how to help
EMPOWER
Be humble
Reach out, but subtly
Do not victimize
Or tag a victim
Just be a friend
You'll help, their misery will end
Maybe not immediately
Hopefully, eventually
"You good?"
"I'm here if you need me"
"You're beautiful"
"I just want you to know, I care about you"
"Thank you"
"Sorry"
"I respect you"
"You'll find your way back, I have faith in you"
"You can do this, deep down, you know it too"
"You're awesome"
Smile
Laugh
Treat them like they're normal
Because they are
Just be sensitive...at least a bit
Because they're hurting
But fine, they'll be fine
They'll be more
You'll see
And smile when you do!

It was always the lies
He told them to me with a rose and stabbed me with the thorns from behind
I was his possession
Not a thought of running away could save me from his side
I was always alone
Without a song in my heart in a false mess I could deny
I was broken
I was weak
Then this person was sent to me somehow somewhere like an angel from the sky
He changed me
For good
I learnt I was worth more than what lay naked before his eyes
I got out
I got free
It hurt me
But I won't cry
Because the love I feel for myself now was worth living through those lies

In a black sea
Of mourning bodies
I stand quietly in
Pale chiffon. My
Heart is dark and
Lonely, cloaked in
Sorrow as I bid thee
Time goodbye

For years I’ve seen
You suffer, lose your
Life and luster with
Each passing breath,
Our love was once
A blooming garden,
Bright and lovely
Before it succumbed to death