Every Word You Cannot Say

by Iain S. Thomas

I am nice to people I don’t like because I don’t know what else to do.

I don’t know if I’m ever, really, “Here.”

You cannot say why you cannot forget the feeling of their skin against yours.

We only hear the loudest voices when really, we should be listening to the quietest.

Forgive yourself for being you— you have done nothing wrong and tomorrow is another chance.

You cannot say why you loved them. Only that you did. Only that you don’t anymore.

listen to the kindest voice in your head. Listen.

And you can hide so much, you forget what it’s like to be found.”

I forgive you. I forget you. Because I owe myself better.