He said you have that talent and that baby and you wear it so beautifully. Eloquently, like none of their harsh words ever mattered, like you didn’t scrub away your finger prints wiping off the excess opinions.
Like you weren’t ever crucified for your weight and how you chose to carry it or sit it down when you got weary. Like loneliness was never a cloak you cradled with you. Like quiet was your nature and loud was your opening act. Like people weren’t diving in to receive more and leave you less. Girl, you have that talent and that baby and you wear it so beautifully.

I put on your deodorant when I was
getting ready for work because I wanted
to smell like you.
I knew it would be the last time your
scent followed me.
Like the last time I would lay with you,
or kiss you
or touch you.
Missing you is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,
and I have to do it again.
I know I’ll be okay in 6 months but
right now, I’m not.

To be

Or feel

Wanted

To the point

Of desperation

To be craved

Or desired

Needed

Beyond the edge

Of oblivion

Into sweet dreams

Of darkness

Freedom

To be

To err
Or blunder
In ways
Of thunder

To *****
Or fake
It blows
The snake

So bogus
To bust
Or focus
In lust

Your back a map to sleepily tell you how I love you so
Your shoulder blades always a consistent ache
My face finds the crook in your chest
Hallowed out to hold my heart steadfast

Do we deceive ourselves?
Assuredly.
How else do we sustain in the years of pain?
Through the sneers and hasty aversions of those who recognize our deformities?
The mirror image of their own intolerable irregularities?
The antidote to shame is arrogance;
To prison: an escape.