I am here to tell you that,

I once dated a boy that made me want to die. That made food my enemy and starved me for his love. That made me have *** with other men as a symbol that I was his. That never made me good enough. That made me think love was nothing but a bartering tool.

I once dated a boy that made love to me then set my soul on fire with the alcohol living in his kiss. That didn't think my taste compared to Jack Daniels. That said his hands shook when he preferred other women over me. That slept 273 nights in my bed then one day left with no goodbye.

I once dated a boy whose eyes swirled black as a cumulonimbus. That held a spoon to his pupil and dangled from a bridge using his life for my forgiveness. That made strangers ask if I needed safety out of fear. That chased me down my porch stairs, knife in pocket, fist in air.

And I am here
to tell you that,
I will never settle for anything,
ever again,
less than a man.