Why I Do
I write to disappear
From my problems
From the world
I write because sometimes it feels like only paper will listen to me
I write because I want to feel alive
The brisk rush of words flowing onto a page
I learned that being alive is more than just breathing
I learned you have to take life a few breaths at a time
I learned that remembering to take those breaths can be hard
I remember because society refuses too
I remember because the blood spilled was for me
Because it was spilled for all of us
I live because Tamir and Alton can’t
Because Trayvon and Sandra can’t
Because Eric Garner can’t breathe
Because I can’t breath
I live because breathing is hard
But holding my breath is so much harder
And holding my tongue is harder
And holding on is harder
And holding up the universe with my pen is easier
I smile for the people who have a reason to write
For those who have a reason to learn
To remember
To live
I smile for those who are trying to find that reason
I smile because I’ve finally found mine.