He taught me that I don’t own myself.
He taught me that this body of mine is his for the taking
My mouth only opened when he allowed it to
The clothing on my body was ordered on by him
My door never shut
My heart never open.
He told me that I couldn’t control myself
I couldn’t handle it
I’d be a mess
I’d **** it up.
He told me I was only pretty was because he said I was
Only happy when he said I could be
Only alive if I did what he said.

But you,
You asked.
“Please”
“May I”
“Do you mind”
You are gentle, kind
You call me beautiful on days I don’t feel it
You make me happy on days I feel like the Atlantic is hiding behind my eyes
Ready to flood my dim bedroom with my anguish
You calm the storm with your presence
The demons stop laughing at me
And they hide
Scared of the tranquility you bring to my mind
You let me own myself
Make my own decisions
It is unfamiliar
But it is good.
So good.