okiksapa.

listen to your elders when they tell you
to never feel ashamed of your ability to love.
yes, you may come from a long line of women
who have only been loved in bits and pieces.
loved by men who were attracted their accents,
only to later correct their english
when they wanted their women to feel small.
loved by men who overlook the way
these women keep themselves upright
without anyone supporting their spines,
by men who'd rather just admire the way their curves
round out perfectly underneath their dresses.
listen to your elders when they tell you that
just because these men are beautiful,
just because they sometimes make you feel beautiful,
that does not mean they are deserving of your love.
feel free to rip these men from your body,
even if it leaves you bloody and sore and scarred
do not feel ashamed.
you also come from a long line of women
who prove time and time again
that there is no way to love wrong.
dare to love others
and if they cannot match it,
know when to put your self-love first.
whatever happens, listen to your elders
when they tell you
to never feel ashamed of our ability to love.