response.

yes, i have cried.
yes, i've been consoled.
yes, i've been comforted.
yes, it's nice.
but i'm not worthy.

"he is good."
they say.
"she is not."
they exclaim.
"how dare!"

they are wrong.
and i.
rightfully so.
defend you.
i must.

"she is good."
i say.
"he is not."
i exclaim.
"how dare!"

they don't know.
i did this.
they don't understand.
i did this.
i silence them.

i will not let them.
bring you down.
with words.
i have done that.
to you, already.

and it's time.
for it to stop.
i will not let those words.
define who you are.
ever.

not asking.
to be forgiven.
or for mercy.
not asking.
for anything.

it's time
for me
to stop.
taking.
from you.