maelynslavik

Everyone could make excuses

for when the bears showed up late

to the party

fashionably late

they called it

but when the bears came early

no one

could explain the questions

away.

They're obsessed with social media and two-second dating

we talk about climate change and ski racing

they'll talk about what they're supposed to

we'll talk about the world's problems and what to do

There are many moments

Where I don’t feel 

Deserving

Of the attention

Today I’m reminding myself

Of how far I’ve come,

All the years I’ve spent

Living in pain

You may criticize 

With your finger pointing at me

But you do not rule my life

Does my confidence bother you?

You cannot stand to be wrong 

You demand attention and validation

I promise you I care

This I know for sure.

I promise you I’m here

Just maybe not to stay.

I promise you I’m fine

Just in my own way.

I promise you I’m trying

I swear I always have been.