I’m not your hero, but I got this desire.

this insecurity only shows if you’ve seen me naked.

can i kiss you?

permission to be one’s true self.

do you want to see me naked?

remember, the point of this course is to learn how to write clearly.

not persuasively.

revise these thoughts:

human pacifier.

you don’t want someone.

but me? what about me?

the lack of awareness to admit.

no spine. no backbone.

take these rings from your fingers.

wrap your hands behind mine for next time.

do you feel safe enough to fall apart in these hands?

can you feel how grounded i am?

anchored in who i am, enough to tell you the truth

about the sand that shifts beneath this water.

i lack the confidence to take anymore.

no more taking, he says.

let me show you.

not take you.

celebrate my soul.

sell my soul.

take these words.

create your own.

breathe slowly. relax, she says.

you’re an over-thinker, carter.

your arms wrap around me with a little more confidence each time.

i appreciate that.

i let you know.

i appreciate that.

the pressure of being seen is hard.

but don’t hide away too long, please.

she’ll only hand it over if she knows you won’t break it.

because if she gives you that surrender

and you drop it

what happens to the next?

or

am

i the

next?

don’t mind.

i’ll give you an honesty

so much sweeter than past flames.

is this the person she was with him?

is this the person he was with her?

or is this the person they turned into?

questions i don’t care to ask

or know the answer to.

this is the person she is with me.