I’ve been broken
Before this
Wandering the seas in me
Washed up upon
My own shores
Sand-time and salt
In my eyes, in my ears
In open wounds
In anything I forgot
To close
I’ll not be broken again

I’ve been ignored a time or two
Before this
A haint in the hallway
Shying from entrances
Spoken sentences
Making appearance
The cut of my form
Waiting, always
Waiting
For an invitation
I’ll not be veiled again

I’ve been hustled
Before this
A set list of wishes
Subsisting on accolades
And disappointments
Trench gigs
With talkative audience
Absconding with
The notes of passion
Meant for the air
I’ll not be robbed again

I’ve been loved
Before this
A mothers’ love
Melodic as that
Nocturne in E-Flat
Then, trials of it
Until late amour
Lived and spoken
Crevice-filling love
And because of it
I’ll not be loved again

© jameshoustonarts 2026