For us
Why can't I smile?
I haven't smiled in years.
Unless you count the grimaces I conjure
when a camera dares draw near.
Why can't I sing?
I used to all the time.
Tunelessly and horridly,
but I used to because my voice was mine.
Why can't I laugh?
It wasn't a painful sound,
close to a zebra braying,
but fun nonetheless.
Why can't I go home?
This one I know.
There is no home for me.
Not right now anyway.
Why do I feel this way?
Why when he says my name,
it's almost like he's praying,
but when she says it,
it's a poison that she can't get rid of soon enough?
Why is it that I
am worthless
useless
disgusting
dirty
foul
ugly
hideous
a disgrace
a terrible mistake
a waste of space
when to him I am
beautiful
funny
intelligent
witty
perfectly imperfect
pure
amazing
his.
The pain is far to great
to let me truly love.
But he doesn't mind,
he thinks I'm worth it.
So maybe I'll be on the mend,
fixing myself to see my death eighty years from now instead of eight minutes.
Fixing myself
out of love for him.