The dark forest in my mind
Ash falling from the night sky
Pieces of burnt pictures

Large spiders ****** their strong legs into the limbs of the trees
They gnash their teeth
Angry, volatile, desperate

All of the monsters inside are unhealed feelings
The anger, a coping mechanism
A reaction to hurt

Love in comparison is the warm seat in the coffee shop
In a comfortable sweater, wrapped around my waist like a second thought
While I drink the rich deep flavoured coffee
Smiling at you from across the table
The thread between our hearts golden, laid across the table between us
Warm fingers, joy
Cinnamon and milk

Putting iron stints in my sides to stand up alone

I’ll braid your hair and kiss your cheek
Smile at you and tell you that you’re doing just fine and you always have
I think you’re amazing and capable

I wish you gave me enough space to be proud of you

Look at the self respect I made for myself
Even if unfortunately that looks like slamming the door in your face

The complexities sit in my stomach like a poison my body doesn’t know how to digest
A puddle of multiple strains
Just sitting like a lump that I want to throw up

******* for making me choose myself