Keep breathing
Resilience and safety in an unsafe world.
Sometimes, the world can feel like a place where you always have to be on your guard.
On the street,
On public transport.
Even in your own body.
You breathe, but not freely.
You adapt, holding back and putting on a mask.
Literally or figuratively.
Just to keep functioning.
So, how do you stay true to yourself in oppressive circumstances?
Eyes front, head high.
Yet inside, I yield a sigh.
Why is it I’ve drawn your eye?
Whilst mine water, I’ll stifle my cry.
I’m just like you, I’m just being me.
But the outside shell is all that you see.
Breathe in
Breathe out
You don’t know all that’s in my mind.
So I beseech of you, please be kind.
Breathe in
Breathe out
Why do you assume so much from a look?
I’m deeper than that, I am my own book.
What is it? My sex? My dress? My race?
There’s so much more to me under the surface.
But yet you continue to stare.
And I wish I really wasn’t stuck there.
Breathe in
Breathe out
What’s wrong? Don’t you feel shame?
Giving me this undivided fame.
Breathe in
Breathe out
Why should I feel so vulnerable and exposed.
Through the thoughts of me that you have supposed.
I am me, with feelings, not just an object.
But I feel weakened so I must now protect.
And while I suffer the intensity of your gaze.
I must be strong, and remain unfazed.
Breathe in
Breathe out
And as I walk away and take my leaving.
I tell myself stay strong and I keep breathing.
Breathe in
Breathe out
Though my chest feels tight and I fight for air.
Crippled by you and your unwanted stare.
I’ll endure this wound and I’ll keep healing.
And as long as I can, I’ll keep breathing.
Being visible.
Vulnerability and strength in images.
These are not perfect bodies.
They do pose, though.
But not to appear beautiful.
What you see is a mask.
Tension. Silence. Bodies.
But also gentle gazes.
The vulnerability of self-revelation.
Courage and self-confidence.
You don’t have to like it.
You don’t have to understand it either.
What you see is allowed to be there.
So are your feelings.
This isn’t an answer, but an invitation.
Stay true to yourself.
Keep feeling.
Keep breathing.
Credits | poem: Mags | photo of N.: Inked89