speak

i try so hard to be normal.

i do everything i can

to speak with clarity and diction.

i tread carefully over every word

to not stutter or stumble.

each and every syllable like stained glass

shattering beneath my heavy feet.

i fear this is why everything about me

is so painfully misunderstood by those around me.

but i don't need to step so carefully with you,

because you know exactly what i mean.

and i thank you deeply for hearing every broken word.