Unapologize
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?