My Funeral

I’m the one who’s here to mourn—

And you seem like you’re fine.

Though all these thoughts have held me down

You and I have reached sublime.

We’re humans, and we feel the world,

It dances round our toes

With leaps and twists and grand jetés—

Emotion is what we chose.

You’re unwelcome here, near my crying face,

Because my heart can’t take the weight.

You’ll keep your place and make them laugh,

But I’ve never believed in fate.

I’ve seen it all, and I held back—

The world is not for me.

I’m ready to hold all it is to my heart,

And maybe that can make me see.

The mask I wear is a child’s game,

Indulgent of my fears—

I’ve got my love, I’ve got my shame,

And I’ll smile for all the mirrors.

The right is earned, so privilege it is—

To don my shattered face,

I’m here to mourn, at this funeral,

So leave—this is my place.