The burn is what gets me,
The chaotic need to be loved.
And yet when I read your name,
I see red.
The pain you so freely cause me,
Tearing up my heart.
You act as if a simple “I love you.”
Removes the ache that I feel.
I cannot breathe without the piercing pain,
As it stabs through my beating red heart.
The rest of me has gone,
Cold and gray.
As if I had given up,
Nothing left the breath for.
A tiny flicker of hope,
Only for it to come crashing down.
It was originally posted here: The Burn.
Note: This is based on a writing prompt for the words “red” and “pain.”
About the Creator
E.G.
My work aims to provoke reflection, ask uncomfortable questions, and occasionally offer a path forward — but never too easily. When I'm not writing, I'm probably reading three books at once or arguing with myself about which one to finish.
Why Black History Matters in America?
The United States of America is celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2026. I'm proud to be an American and as someone who was born here, I wouldn't imagine myself living anywhere else. This is a country where opportunities are possible. Where anyone can be successful in anything they desire to do. Equality, community, and togetherness are the backbones of what America is and should be about. However, we have an administration who wants to erase and disregard those who have made positive, meaningful impacts in our country, specifically Black figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. President Trump and his administration have been constantly complaining and fighting against what they call the "Woke agenda". They use this excuse as a distraction from other issues they refuse to address, such as the high cost of living, climate change, and inflation. That equality is dividing America, when in reality, it's bringing us together. Being woke is not tied to a specific political party. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you can still care about other people and their plights. Compassion and empathy for others isn't tied to a political party, either. We were taught as children to treat others the way we want to be treated and not judge others because they're different from us. Caring about others isn't a personal attack on your beliefs. It doesn't make you any less of a person. People who are easily offended over African American figures, past or present, or anything related to it, are grasping at straws. Current and future generations need to know who people like Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm were, especially in the classroom. Black History is part of American History. It should be recognized, not hidden or forgotten. Besides, you can't shield children from everything, just because your feelings are easily hurt.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 4 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (1)
Whew I felt this😅