space

i try to shrink myself

cuz some days

i feel like

i take up too much

space.

hug my knees

to my chest

fold my feelings

neatly

into smiles

and apologize

again

to the world

for breathing.

swallow my words

keep my eyes down

so maybe i will not be

seen.

i tell my friends

i’m fine

are they even my

friends

cuz why are

they giving me their

time

do i need to pay them

in sex

or dollars or

hugs.

i say i’m sorry

a lot

even when i have

done nothing

wrong.

please forgive me.

i exist.