bruised

I think too often when Black women are in crisis
we are given messages
that say that we cannot show it.

Because we already start from a place
that is perceived as weak
and, in order to get through,
we need to fake being strong.

But I am not strong now.
My soul is bruised and cut.

My wounds will grow over.
They will scar and scab.
Some of them will disappear.
Others I will carry with me
like memories.