Oblige

By Jayeesha Merchant

I need you, to let me touch;

your darkness. Caress it.

Your shades of black. Underneath all of this flesh, you call real. Hold it, small shivering beaten child.

I could take a boat. Travel inside to your emptiness.

Cave, show me your shame. Show me now.

Kept away from your brightness. I don't want your brightness.

I would like - just your emptiness, broken-ness

in my hands, to look at.

Make it look back.

I wish to be next to it. Sit with it and listen - for you. For each one of those little children their pieces of you.

I must place my hand, on your heart.

I need to scream. Bright pink, into you.

Why are you afraid?

Just stop. Please stop.

By Jayeesha Merchant