(Author’s note: this poem actually features specific line breaks and spacing choices that are not reflected in the final piece because, well, I can’t get WordPress to display them properly. It still reads okay here, but it’s meant to be just a little different. I’m sorry it’s not in the state in which I envisioned it.)

I’vespentmanyanightalone
and that’s usually fine,
but damn,
somenightsIjustwannaconnect,
howdoIdothat,
am I getting through to anyone,
noofcoursenotyoufool, youdon’tsaywhatyoumean,
what does it take to be wanted,
firstyouneedtowant
yourself,
you need to want

what?
I didn’t catch that.

youneedtoloveyourselffirst, orit’sallmoot,
I really don’t know what I’m trying to tell myself,
damnitembraceyourselffirst

It’s so quiet in here.

finemanyou’renoteventryingtolisten

I think I’ll read a book
and get sad ’cause I don’t know
anyone
who wants me to read to them.

justreadtoyourself,man

Oh, he’s gone.
If he would just hug himself for once,
and tell himself that he’s awesome,
he wouldn’t feel so sad.