I don't like writing poetry Because I can't seem to find the words Until I'm drowning The weight of my future Pushing me under Salt coating my tongue As unshed tears fill my lungs I don't like writing poetry Because I can't seem to write a happy poem The words burn and smoke Wither and shrivel and twist Become something sharp and hot and piercing Something that digs its claws into my chest Shreds my heart, Steals my breath, And leaves me struggling to fit the pieces back together I write poetry Because I can't seem to stop The words live under my skin Flow through my veins Spill from my mouth Whether I like it or not Every poem leaves my heart on display Bloody and raw But at least if it's on display It has space to breathe I have space to breathe