bleed

i was born

with wide eyes

and a fragile heart

that never learned

to say no

i feel everything so deeply

like stones in my pockets

holding me under

to drown

as women

everyone thinks we’re fine

because makeup hides

the sleepless nights

and the tears we cry

sweetheart

honey

babygirl

cutie

these are not my name

and i am not yours

but you use intimate words

to give yourself a false sense

of dominance over me