I've had so much to say and so little words about our skeletons falling out of closets and being accepted in daylight.

why hate, kill, push aside -
for color, creed, religion, chromosomes?

why support silently?

silence is acceptable.

riots & hate are destructive regardless of skin color

this isn't a protest,
this isn't democracy,

This is Hell.
Burning Crosses.

& I find it hard to live in a world when being quiet means we're okay.

the first step is admitting we have a problem deeper than tiki torches

and step into it.

and I vow to stand by you even when it costs me

he was flirting
& buying me drinks

I was checking my phone for you

clawfoot bathtubs
are meant to be soaked in

hardwood floors
are meant to be danced on

& I was up until midnight
in a good way

I laugh because you know me
& sometimes I don't

I started off wondering
when life would hit play
& I find my place

I ended up laughing
on rooftops, smelling like waffles,
& feeling found

I grew up being told smart & passionate is what you call girls who aren't "pretty"

I'm learning now it's the other way around

run
run
run

like you're faster than the memories catching up.

stop.
sending.
me.
messages.
like.
I.
owe.
it.
to.
you.

it's never the one you want
that offers his arms on a rainy night

& just like that there
was no one but her

Coffee, grits, and biscuits
& learning how to love the south

& I lay in your lap
and we don't talk about big dreams

pecan pie tastes like broken dreams
that were never mine

happy birthday
here's your ring