I’ve been unloved because of the softness in my stomach. I’ve been unloved because of the way my upper lip curls when I laugh. I’ve been unloved because of the way my nose looks from the side. I’ve been unloved because of my politics and my passion for them, for the rights of my humans. I’ve been unloved because of the sharpness of my tongue. I’ve been unloved because I played my hand a round too soon. I’ve been unloved because we were too young. I’ve been unloved. Like a needle on a cactus picked up without care, I’ve been unloved.

Originally written March 21 2018, in a parking lot.