it’s not just my mind
or my heart
or the body that’s carried too much
it’s my soul.
she’s been whispering for years,
then screaming last night:
finally, feel me.
we’ve fought every battle alone.
we’ve carried everyone.
now i need to breathe.
she’s tired from surviving
childhood bruises,
family crises,
loss after loss,
love that broke instead of held.
and under this full moon,
she’s finally honest with me:
i’m not weak.
i’m just exhausted.
and all she asks is this
choose me. so I did.