i just want to be held, not touched;
to feel safe your arms,
to feel safe your presence—
is that too much to ask for?
i don’t want my body
to be your favorite toy anymore.

i just want to be loved, not desired;
to wake up to soft smiles,
to have your eyes to reflect your adoration for me—
is that too much to ask for?
what if i told you
i didn’t want you to undress every part of me
at every single glance at me?

i just want to be cherished, not owned;
to hear your voice telling me about how proud you are of me,
to be able to run into your arms after i win a game of uno—
is that too much to ask for?
can’t i be something else
other than a mere object
to fulfill your own selfish desires?

i just want to be heard, not shushed;
to lay on your lap as i cry,
to sob into your chest until i fall asleep—
is that too much to ask for?
i’m already shattered enough
to pray every single night
that i won’t wake up the next morning.
why do you still
have to give me
those cold, harsh commands?

maybe one day (i don’t care if it takes forever or even more),
you’ll truly love me,
even if it only lasts for so long.
all i know is that
no matter what happens,
i will always
be waiting for you
to truly love me.