Let Go

I have been run through with this sword more than once
Many have held it
but your hand hurts pretty bad
Because you keep saying you
love me exactly the way I am

~

I respect our differences
I find you fascinating
I love your brain and heart
even if we will never be able to talk about politics
I have never met anyone more intense than me before

~

I think that makes the sword two sided and more deadly
because I feel like I’m bleeding out
and the boundaries only work
if they are honored
and we can’t seem to act in return

~

I am guilty too
but when you tell me how I hurt you
I don’t mince words or shirk ownership
Yet you only apologize for your words and then I seem to pay
because you are not careful enough with me

~

You say you feel shell-shocked
because I overreacted
I own that because I did
but DEI and Pride are not political to me
They are my life

~

I live them so they aren’t just talking points
and when my wife is being attacked in public
and I can’t save her
and my city has had a catastrophe and I am mourning
and you want me to be casual

~

When nothing about me is accidental
maybe unedited or anxiety ridden at times
but that is my disorder
DEI includes Women, Disabled, Immigrants, and Queer
It’s not just Black and White

~

When my body is striking a war against me
and I can’t speak
or eat or drink or sleep
I guess I need some empathy
and not a dispute

~

Even though you are suffering too
and we both know the meaning of bombardment
I can’t be what you need anymore
Because while you are struggling to breathe
I am fighting to exist

~

I have to let go now
Love wasn’t the issue
How we define it is different
I don’t choose to fight with you anymore
I need my energy for me

~