I Don't Like Writing Poetry

I don't like writing poetry
Because I can't seem to find the words
Until I'm drowning
The weight of my future
Pushing me under
Salt coating my tongue
As unshed tears fill my lungs

I don't like writing poetry
Because I can't seem to write a happy poem
The words burn and smoke
Wither and shrivel and twist
Become something sharp and hot and piercing
Something that digs it's claws into my chest
Shreds my heart,
Steals my breath,
And leaves me struggling to fit the pieces back together

I write poetry
Because I can't seem to stop
The words live under my skin
Flow through my veins
Spill from my mouth
Whether I like it or not
Every poem leaves my heart on display
Bloody and raw
But at least if it's on display
It has space to breathe

I have space to breathe