Āhua
Image Credit: Samantha Padden Te Wake
Āhua
Ticking through my mind are memories I tried to hide.
Before they got their hands on you,
before the weight of another's actions shook you.
Tore your spoken truth, soul to spleen.
With sanity dancing on a tight string.
Bitter & internally bruised.
The fruits of your body spat out after use.
Who were you? Tell me ✨
You are not defined by the actions of another who has mistreated you.
We/us/she/them/he/they are not some empty vessel, desirable piece of flesh, to fulfil your impulse.
MY BODY - MY SKIN.
Years of neglect, harm and hate.
It took time, space, patience and love.
It won't be instant or perfect.
Every ounce of loving energy practiced,
KNOW THAT YOU ARE WORTH IT AND YOU DESERVE IT.
Head throbbing, throat strangling repetitive rage.
I understand, I'm here with you.
It will be okay.
I know it's easy to say, most of the time it never feels that way.
It’s okay to feel the pain.
Just don't let it drown you away.
MY BODY - MY SKIN.
Don't think drunk flirtation is justification.
Don't think nice conversation justifies luring someone into an uncomfortable situation.
Don't think a shy voice is easily persuasive.
Don't think someone's vulnerability is cause for executing predatory behaviors.
Educate to respect personal space.
Educate to teach the importance of consent.
Educate to deconstruct social norms & negative discourse.
Educate to circulate conversation.
Educate to show how we can support each other.
Educate for awareness & body autonomy.
After shedding layers of who you believed/thought you were,
after the hands of another mistreated you.
YOU return to YOU.
The YOU, YOU always were.
The YOU you've always known.
MY BODY - MY SKIN - MY LIFE.
YOUR BODY - YOUR SKIN - YOUR LIFE.