September's Poetry Spotlight

Because Her

by: Whitney Decker

Because I spent too many years neglecting her

Pushing her to give to everyone around her till the cup was empty for herself.

I hushed her and silenced her just to keep the peace.

Pushing her.

“Just keep going. Just keep going. Soon they’re gonna see your worth. They’re gonna love you.”

I broke her into a million pieces.

When she arose from the ashes like a phoenix and picked up the things that actually mattered, I finally saw her.

Brilliant, quirky, powerful, bruised but not broken.

It was on that day that I chose to protect her.

So yes, I do feed her balanced, nutritious meals because she needs fuel to light up the world.

I move her body daily so she doesn’t lose mobility and so she can look and feel her best because I cherish her.

I say no when it compromises what is best for her.

I set boundaries and protect them because she is worthy of being fought for.

I avoid alcohol because she has healed past the point of needing to numb the pain, and I honor her.

I maintain inner balance through a variety of unorthodox ways because she doesn’t fit in a cookie-cutter box.

So yes, you can say I’m obsessed because I fucking love her.