Two men were drafted for war.
One turned to the other and said,
"I find it odd that we leave our own family
To keep each other's families safe."

The man turned to him and said,
"I'll make a deal with you.
If you fight to protect my family,
Then I will die protecting yours."

Let this not be a generational curse but if so, let the chains break on me
Let not history repeat itself, for I will not do what she did
Let people not see her reflection on me
I am my mother’s child not my mother.
Let her curses not fall unto me
Let her sorrows be washed away by the sea that are in my eyes
Take away the knife that is in my heart
I am my mother’s child not my mother

When you fell my heart and tears fell too.
I am my mother’s child not my mother and you are still my mother

I'm afraid
Of
Eyes
Seeing me for
Who I truly am
That "they" might
Hate me
Because
I'm different.

I'm afraid
Of
Ears
That "they" might
Hear what I have to say
But
No one will want to
Listen

I'm afraid of
Hands
That "they" might
Make a fist or
Worst
Point a finger at me and
Single me
Out

I'm afraid
Of
You
The public is
Dangerous and
THEY have no time
To care about
My opinion
Only
"Theirs"

Is a poet still a poet
If they do not write?

A journal gathering dust,
But a yearning to write.
Am I still a poet
Without my inner light?