How do I breathe

With your hatred suffocating me

Trapping me in grief

Giving me only rations to get by

Releasing your anger on me

Telling me what I already know

I am weak pretending to be strong

Trying to overcome obtacles

Things that are there

Yet are really not in my way

Who are you to tell me I need courage

Maybe if I had some encouragement

Then just maybe I could be brave

Not second guessing my every move

Giving life to new fears

They paralyze me and choke my spirit

Extinguishing the fire that burns to live

What must I do to get relief

From this injustice that clings to me

Buries my dreams

Fights against the very fiber of my being

Allows shallow tears to quench the thirst of hate

Showing me that I am inadequate

How do I breathe