I slip up sometimes
I forget my nervous system is healing right now
How I shake with anxiety before the medicine kicks in
And I have to calm myself throughout the day
How the end of my marriage was quicker and cleaner than this
With ongoing communication and teamwork
I slip up sometimes
I forget I promised myself this cycle wouldn’t roll back around
How I have natural compassion
And see the strengths with the challenges
How I impulsively give support
Despite the trauma in silence and uncertainty
I slip up sometimes
I forget my sensitive is “too much”
How others’ is denied and excused
And conditioned
How mine is tattooed sleeves
Created one stab at a time
I slip up sometimes
I forget whether to let it burn
How I am the fire
And the fury
How I have more temperance
Than patience
I slip up sometimes
I forget
-Melissa Donley