"TO THE BOYS AFRAID OF DYINGI.They said you had no rightto the softer parts inside your..."

“TO THE BOYS AFRAID OF DYING

I.

They said you had no right

to the softer parts inside your chest.

They said

you were better off without them.

They said

it made you weak.

I’m sorry.

I’m so sorry.

 

II.

Your papa taught you

pain

looks better in a clenched fist and

she comes at your body like a feast.

She picks you clean, then wants to know

why you are so empty.

She leaves.

She leaves.

 

III.

I cannot be the place you go to bury her.

 

IV

You will have to learn to be alone.

This is strength, but not in the way

your father taught it to you. No—

you have to learn and relearn softness

without hands smaller than your own

carrying it for you.

You will have to be brave.

Gentle

is nothing less

than revolutionary.

 

V.

You are more than the heartbreak

you didn’t know what to do with.

When you reach the cliff’s edge,

you will feel like jumping.

Remember:

it is courage,

not fear,

that makes you step back.”

- TO THE BOYS AFRAID OF DYING by Ashe Vernon (via latenightcornerstore)