As If By Barbed Wire

It’s okay to speak the words that hurt your chest and get caught in your throat

as if by barbed wire

bleeding on your insides 

afraid they will never climb all the way over and make it to the outside.

It's okay to let people know when they have harmed or insulted your heart

instead of you just holding onto the pieces as they crumble and fall away,

nurturing your wounds in silence out of fear

not taking action

and telling yourself

you are taking the high road.

It’s okay to make your voice heard

and your feelings known 

even if it makes someone else uncomfortable with the way they have to stand there before you with your pain slowly spreading onto

and staining

their hands.

It’s okay to forgive yourself for not yet being able to forgive someone else who has never seen a problem with dismissing your thoughts, 

ignoring your spiritual offering, 

or belittling your you-ness.  

(you'll know when it's time.)

It’s okay.

You’re okay. 

You’ve always been okay.

And you will be more than just okay

no longer bearing the weight 

that was never assigned to you

to carry.

It's okay.  

I promise.