warrior.

I shouldn’t have to survive you

the thought of talking to you
shouldn’t make me want to tear my face away

speaking your name
shouldn’t make bile rise in my throat

calling out to you for help
shouldn’t make me hesitate

reminding me I’m young and telling me I’m fine
shouldn’t make me feel so alone

I shouldn’t have to decide to become steel—unbreakable—
because you seem so bent on breaking me

I shouldn’t have to be so young and
so ready for battle

I shouldn’t have to survive you
but if I have to
I will