i’m angry
not sad
angry
fire burns in my lungs
and my throat is smoky and grey
i’m angry
not defeated
angry
my hands are cold
and my heart is black
i’m angry
because nothing is ever enough
because i am not enough
because i need to be
the perfect student
perfect friend
perfect girlfriend
perfect daughter
and i’m still not enough
i am angry

There’s a red neon vacancy sign
that hangs in my ribcage
settled among vital inner workings.
Its electric buzzing company to the rhythm
of blood through my veins.

A forgotten motel heart,
containing only rundown furniture.
Black spots on the walls.
They are painted a peculiar colour
that is no longer in fashion.
Perhaps it never was.

- Emma Cooper

i gave you up
for your own good
let you sift like sand through my empty fingertips
i watched you love her
watched you touch her
i said i was fine, because it was what i had to be
and now that you've come back
and i'm holding you again
but you're not you anymore
just a fragment of
her
she was the wind that blew through your hollow bones
and your heart is a chamber
(dark empty seeking:)
i wouldn't have done this, if it were me
but i'm the dust she left behind
(forgotten)

kissing you burns me
fingers covered in ash
eyelashes singed with hot tears

i cannot love anymore
lest i lose myself
inside the fire

my muse is my sorrow,
if it did not exist i would not find beauty in the rain nor solace in my pain.
it'll always find different ways to manifest,
but at least it is safe to say
it is no longer my unwelcome guest.

exPressing
      Respect
  peAce
rejoIce
       Sanctity
sovEreinty