C a g e

My cage has held,

But one true love.

A love that has provided

The utmost allegiance.

No cowards have placed knives

In the back

For holding this love acquaintance.

This love has weathered many storms.

Enduring every one.

A love that has received

Lashes from the tongue,

Threats of death.

Nonetheless, has stayed by my side.

This love has been perpetually berated.

Coerced thoughts of unworthiness.

I have held no respect.

I have held no admiration.

And still

This love has never fled its cage.

The admirer I speak of,

Has never developed eyes for anyone else.

The admirer

Is

Myself.

Twenty-eight years have passed and most of those years have been spent

Hating,

Neglecting,

Disregarding,

Blind to potential.

I have made a pact

To never beg for love.

But in this circumstance

(And only this circumstance)

I will break the pact,

And beg myself

For a second chance.