I’m in love

My mother says it’s not real

That I’m too young

Maybe she’s right

But I know she’s wrong when I’m with them

The way they make me feel

Feeling their pain when their hurting

The warmth of them wiping away my tears

Knowing their disappointment when they see

marks on my wrists

Begging them to run far away with me

Them enjoying my oddities

And me enjoying theirs

My mother gives me the ultimatum

Joy or responsibility

My head tells me responsibility trumps all

And that I’ll do fine on my own

But my heart wants to run and feel fresh air

Filling my lungs with joy

Be held when I need it

Feel their fingers intertwined with mine

Feel their hands meet my waist

And let go of everything else

I choose to breathe