i have been holding my breath
for far too long.
i am strong, i say. i can take it.
the shame
the guilt
the twisting in my stomach.
the natural frown on my face.
i've always shouldered the weight
of living like i do—
adopted stones to carry on my back
stones from others' oceans,
stones that should not be mine to take.
so excuse me for the smile
when the world settles into place
please pardon the relief
when i finally
release the breath i've been holding
for far too long.
