things will start to get better for you
when you unhook yourself from your machines
lie on the floor and let saltwater drip from your eyes
let your insides melt away into your coffee mug
stained with orange lipstick and whiskey morning breath
you cannot simply contain all of your sadness
in the box inside your chest, even when your initials
are engraved on the lid in gold and coated in velvet
that is no place for weaknesses to hide
they should appear as ghosts in your crooked smiles
and racing heartbeat, shaky limbs and cold fingers
don’t lock them up with a brass key
but let them dance around on your windowsill
when the evening light casts shadows on the walls
they might make people laugh
with yesterday’s jokes and heartfelt kisses
don’t swallow them whole and keep them to yourself,
accept the wrongs and the rights
walk with them in the moonlight
and let them be seen

*(a.m.c.)