witnessed the solution to the pollution of my childhood
the remedy was embracing our distinctive energies
not trying to mold or subjugate each other
but coming to terms with the stories we skew
no longer needing to spew venom due to a defense mechanism
its growth simply
reality rids me of my dramatic stories that impacted my sensitive inner child
in reality, I was projecting my insecurities onto
everyone expecting something vile
to spill out of their mouth
tough love, rough love
never knew when enough was enough love
but I’m grown
and I own my flaws but I'm dedicated to walking in my higher path

I am slender and my figure is the topic of discussion
unsolicited advice about how much I should eat
as if my weight is their goal to reap
I am skin and bones just like you
I feel confident and insecure just like you
Looking into my mirror and reflecting on your comments
Analyzing every curve or lack thereof like it is a contest
who can be the King and Queen of Fools
suffering self-esteem underneath the entrenched rules
I hope you never feel the way you make others feel
A broken bird

cold arms around my warm neck
winsome whispered sweet nothings
my intuition keeping me correct
cunning foxes drinking from acid lakes
tainted soils and chaotic airwaves
the end is near
death is banging on the front door of many
claiming plenty spouses, friends, and family
the one percent flying to Mars while we watch Afghan's heart
be beaten and abused, cowed and ruined
Gaia is enraged and bursting into flames
sickness still inducing suffering with sundry strains
the end is near if they do not refrain
the end is near I am ashamed