Safe Spaces
Who determines what a safe space is? Safe spaces to me are places where I feel comfortable, where I can be vulnerable, where I can let my guard down. Safe spaces give us a chance to get away, this one little place where we are not constantly fighting. . .
The touch of your hand on my body is like an imprint on my skin
A tattoo
It stings yet still lingers
A feeling that stays like an uninvited guest at your party
“You’re safe here”
I replay those words
They take hold of my body
I didn’t even realize until I was suffocating
Because looks can be deceiving
Now I question everything I see
“You’re safe here”
I hear my heart beating in my chest
Pounding
Your face is judging
Determining
Your hand is sending warning signs to my brain
Stop! No!
Your voice is gripping at my throat daring me to be silent
My body is growing sick
It’s screaming
“Danger! Run!”
We meet eye to eye
You’re searching in mine
for my vulnerability
-Lillian Tate