You don’t want to be rescued.

 

I want to rip out the pain

the damaged flesh

of bloody violation,

and smear the face of he who cut you

in the mess he makes.

 

So that he suffocates.

 

I want to hold you

together -

not that you need me to,

or would want me to -

but to give you safe haven.

 

So that you can breathe.

 

I want you to know agency

savour love

indulge in kinship.

To grow into your wounded skin

as one so beautiful.

 

So that you can thrive.