breathing was never the problem

I tell you I want to scream
and you tell me to breathe
like I haven't been breathing this whole time

How can I tell you to go fuck
your gentle inhales and exhales
cause I want to burn with the pain
of every moment I can't express
in whispers

Your "knuckle down
and just deal with it" philosophy
isn't helping
the divide between what I feel
and what you want me to feel
becomes a chasm I can't bridge

Your words don't wrap me up
in the warmth I need
they just make me feel more alone
in your presence
when every day I can't easily smile
seems like another disappointment
on the list of things I can't get right

You tell me to breathe
I tell you I want to scream

© Indie Adams 2017