In the name of Love

I’ve gotten comfortable wearing the shackles around my wrists

They’ve simply become bracelets, mere accessories

As I play the part in a script I did not write

I am but a character in another person’s fantasy

Living a life that isn’t my own

…

I am but a caged bird

My wings have forgotten how to fly

My muscles have fatigued

as I’ve gotten comfort lounging around

No longer running to follow my heart

My heart merely whispers to me every now and then

but she has become tired too.

She screamed at me once,

just once,

but I persisted to stay

In persuit of chasing “what if” the other way

But now I know

that I can no longer grow

I left everything behind

to be belittled and disrespected

To be picked and poked out like a doll he can dress up

Comments on my appearance to better fit his desires

Pushing down my soul

silencing her to play this role

And the silly thing is that

I never thought I would allow myself to be where I am

But here I am

and it was all in the name of love.

❦

Image by Danielle Noel