that hurt in your gut,
the one that starts in your diaphragm and coils up your lungs,
then clenches in your throat and salts your eyes
and when you swallow it,
it wraps down and squeezes your stomach
the one that jitters your nerves,
shakes your shoulders,
freezes your tongue,
and curls your spine
the one that crawls out in whimpers,
in whispers,
in wails
in words too honest

that hurt is not your enemy.
it is your heart’s voice
it says, “this isn’t fair”
it says, “i deserve better”