Every word carries behind it intent

Intent to reach out

Intent to be understood

Intent to connect

But I’m choking on the transparency

Transparency is being seen

Transparency is being understood

Transparency is being vulnerable

The desperation to be heard and yet safe

Loving freely is not safe

Telling plainly is not safe

Reciprocation is a chance not a right

So I choke on my words

So I remain quiet

Because the hope of what could be is no guarantee