HURTING

HURTING

By Keesa Wynne

My God, how many of my tears must fall and glisten

Before you lay down your arms and lovingly listen?

Must my tears continue to cascade down like falling rain;

For you to acknowledge my suffering and deep pain?

Baby, ignore the booming beat and hear the lyrics of my soul’s song.

I’m struggling; I’ve pretended to be so strong - for way too long.

Talking to you feels like screaming into an empty echo chamber;

All I hear are my own screams; no love at all from you, my neighbor.

You say my tactics and “dramatics” often turn things sour;

You would rather me cower then to stand fully in my power.

You preach that you don’t fight fire with more gasoline;

Yet, sometimes it requires burning shit down to be seen.

We will never turn the page until we address the source of my rage.

How many times do I have to say I’m slowly dying in this cage?

Do not turn your back; open your eyes so you can see

That the simple act of listening will set both you and me free.

We both must learn that listening requires no reckless retort;

Listening just requires acknowledgement of the other’s hurt.