1. why i write

i write for the pain

of feeling like

i’m not doing enough,

for the feeling of being able

to say the words my mouth

won’t let me speak,

and for the thoughts

i can’t unleash

in any other way,

in hopes i’ll see a better day,

push away the rain cloud

that’s held over my head,

i write to heal, to stop the tears

and gain the strength i’m told

a man should have,

yet then again

i write to take a stand,

bring the hammer down

on expectations,

be selfish and take control,

live the way that i want to,

and not how they say

that i should.

i write for the boy 

in the back of the class

who sits in silence,

powerless,

stuck in his ways,

i write for the girl

who’s in her room,

everyone left

and in her hurting,

she needs someone

to stay there with her,

i write in hopes

that i can provide solace 

in someone’s search 

for clarity,

help them in a dark time,

bring the peace

they surely seek.

i write to leave my mark,

to say my piece,

to let my feelings flow

onto the page,

i write to never feel silenced,

i write to find myself a sense

of bravery that they wanted

to take from me,

to become someone,

to know my own self-worth,

to never fade

or be forgotten,

to leave a legacy

and transcend

future generations,

i write to maybe

save a life, 

take an aching soul

and let them know

they aren’t alone,

and inspire others after me

to tell their own stories.

i write to live on.