The pain to swallow
A “No.” doesn’t stop
Me from responding with “Yes!”
I know how easily I’ll be chained by their thoughts.
I don’t want to spark anger.
I don’t want to hurt feelings.
I don’t want to hurt our relationship.
Thoughts and opinions
Swarm me like bees.
Eyes Pierce me with a sting as they wait on me.
How will I choose
To respond?
Or how can I say no with putting them into consideration?
Wait, Putting them into consideration?
No. What about me?
Do they think about me when they’ve cramped
Me with the uncomfortable feeling?
It’s impossible to please them all.
I don’t want resentment.
I don’t want to lose myself.
I don’t want to lose real relationships.
The pain to swallow a “No”
Has stopped me from saying “Yes!”
I was inspired to write this piece as I reflected on how my thought process used to be when responding to someone in hopes that my answer would please them. I also included how I felt when my realization of pleasing everyone was impossible, and that I could never truly satisfy them. I structured this poem with thoughts that would fill my mind in the “people pleaser” mind set. I explore the theme of coming to terms with what is best for you.
"Your poem is very relatable my favorite part of your poem would have to be " I don't want resentment, I don't want to lose myself". Those are my exact thoughts when I want to say no but always say yes."
--Allyson Verduzco