this is not a love poem
not a "i love another person" poem
not a "you make my world go round" poem
not a "thank you for saving my life" poem

this is a poem
about all the things i have never found the courage to say
this is a poem dedicated
to me, myself, and i

to the me from six years ago,
it is alright to cry
you need no longer
dig the edges of your nails so deep into your skin that it leaves a mark
physical pain to erase the emotional pain
you need no longer think that way

to the me from five years ago
you're beautiful
even if they all make fun of you for the mark of beauty on your face
yell at you that you are terrible
one day soon you will realise you are extremely beautiful

to the me from three years ago
i wish i could have stopped you from dating boys you didn't like
or stopped you from liking boys who did not deserve your affection
your self worth isn't dependent on how many boys like you
it's alright to be alone for a while

to the me from two years ago
pay no mind to those who laugh at your body
at your clothes
or at what you choose to share
your life is yours
so is your body

to the me from one year ago
i wonder why you were so angry
i wish you could've realised it sooner
that all you needed was right there
in front of you

to the me today
i'm sorry i took this long to build up my courage
there's are thousands of things more that i want to say to you
but for now
i will settle for

i love you