when i was a boy

when i was a boy, i was a fragile boy
who shattered in the slightest breeze

my storms came quickly and violently
and even on the sunniest days,
the clouds still hung low

when i was a man, i was an angry man
who screamed and flailed in private

in public, i wore a mask, a jester’s cap
and hid my darkness from the sun

now that i’m a me, i’ll be a gentle me,
i’ll be the best me that i can be

and if it rains sometimes,
i’ll let that be me too

05.30.19