Written in 2022 – Hearts Still Care

Nevers

You may never read my poems,
I may never worship Grace;
You may never tell your family,
I may never give you space.

You may never know my tears,
I may never tell you a lie;
You may never keep the peace,
I may never say good bye.

We both have our share of nevers,
Through passion, time and space;
And our destinies are woven,
Like the lines etched on my face.

I know it’s not woke
To let others tell you
What you are worth.

But it’s hard to estimate
That
Yourself,
When life has shown you
Bulges where none should be
And curves where lines were.

It’s hard when you try
To explain
And the ones you love
Misunderstand.

It’s hard when the mirror
Gives you a hard look.

It’s hard when your mind
Reflects the mirror.

It’s hard.
Because you are not
When you look at me.

But
I also know
My cup of tea
Is a balm for some.
I can invigorate
Or relax.
Some.

It’s not woke to see myself
For others.
But it’s the test for souls
That need bodies to reside in.

One chip at a time
That’s how it breaks
Who knows how long
It really takes.

A word, a loss, a wound,
A sneer, a jibe, a shrug,
Maybe a tear
Or a forgotten hug.

Who knows what loss
Will find its stake,
A small chip, a last time,
And it will break.