For the Girl Who's Always Been Good
I know what haunts and stands in your way...
You were taught to color inside the lines, To speak softly, cross your ankles, To never need too much, want too boldly, To stay clean in a world that dirties everything. They praised you for being good, But never asked if you were happy. You tucked away your hunger, Buried your ache in polite smiles And crossed legs. But, Babygirl, I’ve seen you — Not the mask, Not the act — You. I’ve seen the way your breath catches When...