No Apologies

Michelle Vivier

I refuse to apologize for all the ways I've sought out love and pleasure.

I am so much more than my body and those I once let use it without ever having earned it.

I refuse to allow my entire humanity to be reduced to who I've laid with, who I'd hoped might love me back, or how I learned to get my needs met when I was sad and lonely.

Reader - this was not how I found the love I searched so hard for, but it was my way to unintended endings, unexpected blessings, unfathomable lessons, magic I never knew I needed;

A daughter, so full of strength and beauty that she has inspired me to rediscover mine.

And she will never apologize for a single ounce of her pleasure.

And I will ensure that she will never need to search so hard for love.

More from Michelle Vivier ↓

• @michellespeakspoetry on Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Write After: National Poetry Month with One Poem Only

Write After is a way to encourage poets to listen and write, and use National Poetry Month to highlight how listening to poetry makes us better poets. I know I write the best when I’m surrounded by beautiful poetry–it’s part of the reason I created this podcast, and I want to encourage others to share this practice. We'll get started in April. You can share to #WriteAfterOPO.

#WriteAfterOPO