I was walking down the street today

My steps in delay

Savoring the way

We could walk and talk and just be together and okay

On our way to the Friends café

When I suddenly swayed

Because my bag bumped into a man

Who yelled “excuse you asshole”

Then walked away

Now I admit I’m one of those guys

Who hides behind their need to apologize

And it may be lies

They can read in your eyes

But the strangers are happy because at least you tried

To decriminalize

Accidentally bumping someone

So you won’t be chastised

Except

Fuck that guy

Fuck sorry

I’m not sorry

I know I say sorry too much

Sorry

I sometimes apologize for taking your time

I know it’s not a crime

But it’s something I hide behind

To fish for an “It’s okay”

Or a “You’re okay”

Or an “It’s okay you bumped into me today”

So I cling to it

But you’re worth more than sorry

You’re worth more than a self-deprecating attitude

You deserve some gratitude

So I won’t apologize for taking your time

I will thank you for listening

You who let me into your home

You who let me into your heart

You who gave me the courage to start

Loving myself

I won’t conceal it

Because I’m starting to feel it

You who told me I was beautiful before I believed it

And this is a plural “you”

Because there are so many of you

That deserve more than a “sorry”

You deserve a “thank you”

For listening

For hearing

And I want to hear too

And be there for you

It’s the least I can do

As someone who now loves myself

With the help of your point of view

I will open my ears

And be worth a “thank you too”

So my ears are beautiful

My tears are beautiful

And on the edge of a waterfall my fears are beautiful

I’m worth something

You’re worth something

We shouldn’t apologize for being worth something

You deserve a spotlight as much as anyone in this age

Because as Shakespeare said

“All the world’s a fucking stage”

I might be paraphrasing

But if thine ass can’t be anyone other than thyself

Then why should I apologize for being myself?