Tuesday, August 30, 2022
…

When I told my friends my love language was words of affirmation 
They told me they weren’t surprised

When I told my friends my love language was words of affirmation, they asked to see my poetry

Ripping my heart open as they read the words out loud

They shared their condolences 

‘I didn’t know’
‘I never thought’
‘But you’re so-‘

They offered their sympathy in pools of strawberry milk and warm blankets

When I told my dad I wrote poetry 
He started to ask how

How could his child 
His tiny little girl 

Ever have the strength to lift a pen
He tried to ask why

Because he knew that every poet has their villain 
That every creator craves a muse

But before his lips could twist his dismays into sound
Before his words could seep into my awaiting hands

Before he said anything at all 

He paused to consider the quickest way to bring an adolescent to tears

When I told my dad my love language was words of affirmation 

He laughed

Then walked away with winter winds nipping at his feet