My soul spoke volumes as it cried through my chest.
Nothing would be so pure,
so painful.
Nothing like hearing
the soul speak
after years of silence.
Hurt.
Screaming it begged,
to be set free,
“please, let me go.”

What you first come to learn
when emotions are raw

Bakes time eternal,
old men to recall

Before holy baptism
and the mirrored decree

Lasting impressions
—of what’s meant to be

(Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2020)

...I was a child. I didn't need to be strong,
I needed to be safe.