I won’t tell you to be positive.
I won’t make you feel like you need to hide.
I won’t change the subject
when you start to share what’s hidden inside.
I won’t try to fix you
like you’re some sort of broken machine.
I will look without agenda
at the truths you wish to be seen.
I’ve been there myself;
I’ve felt that pain and anger seemed wrong.
I’ve felt the lump in my throat
that always managed to silence my song.
I too have been shamed
for expressing things that were not okay.
Now my mission is to listen
to the things you’ve been told not to say.
© 2022 Cristen Writes
Image by Sarah Riches