I originally wanted to tear

This part up

and leave it for the ghosts

for the gravestones and the mourners

for the dust-ridden shelves and their friends

for and despite myself

I originally wanted to set

fire to this part

and watch the flames lick

the wounds that covered it

bleeding and broken

a taste like ash

I originally wanted to leave

this part out

because I am afraid

that I will be seen

too much

but

to leave it here

is another way of saying

‘I’m a pitiful thing’

is another way of saying

‘Your pain lies here’

is another way of saying

‘Feeling broken is a natural state’

is another way of saying

‘At least you’re being honest’

is another way of saying

‘At least you did this’

At least you did this

At least you did this

At least you did this

-JC