i have never begged to be loved
at least not in a way that I dig my nails
deep deep in my bare skin or-
shred the fine threads of veins
nor have I ever pulled the thread of my 4c hair
one that suffers health from the flattening iron
or hot combs or relaxer or whatever is enough for silkness
neither have I put a cigarette between my lips
cut out the burns on my most hated tattoos
yet I love my self way...