Do not think you know me,

Do not say you know me,

Do not tell me that you understand,

And above all, do not tell me you know how it feels.

Do not ask me to explain why,

It’s my constant struggle not to cry.

Do not theorize me.

Do not put me into words and strangle me into a framed existence;

And do not frame me to give away my resistance.

Do not tell me there are other like me,

And do not tell me that many have it worse than me.

Do not tell me to pull it together.

Do not tell me I can make it through,

And do not tell me that it’s nothing new.

Do not tell me that you care,

Do not show me that you do.

Do not ask me to believe.

Do not make me my past to leave.

Do not tell me the world is mine,

Do not tell me it’s time to shine.

Do not peddle hope,

Nor lend a hand to hold fast and cope.

Do not teach my soul courage.

Do not extinguish its eroding rage.

Do not change what I know.

Do not hold on to me, just let go!