Caught


The words are caught in my throat 
like a butterfly in a child's net 

They're stuck 
entangled in my hesitation 

I'm petrified 
I'm at a loss of what to tell you

and at the same time
I know exactly what I need to say

but I wonder if the two are the same 
or perhaps 

what I need to say 
isn't what you want to hear

and that 
is what scares me the most

the worst that could happen 
is you rejecting me 

however 
you saying yes may be even worse

not for me 
but for you. 

the words are caught in my throat 
like a butterfly in a child's net

I want to say them 
but I don't. 
 

Inkpaw

VT

17 years old

More by Inkpaw

  • The Boxes In The Corner

    Looming over your shoulders

    Each stack higher than its former

    Every thought and every scrap

    Of an idea too scared to ponder

     

    Every moment that hurt

    Each minute that lingered longer

  • Inadequacy


    How do I push the words out
    From behind my taffy tongue 
    Thick with salty tears 
    And full of grubby thumb 


    I’m a child 
    Pretending that I’m numb 
    To escape the overwhelming feelings 

  • Paper Frogs

    Why

    When feet fall soft but quick 

    Does the hallway extend

    And the hot breath of whoever’s behind me feel hotter 

    Why do I stay pressed to the wall 

    Like a stubborn gruby sticker