Have you ever noticed that when someone has a creepy uncle or a racist aunt, or whatever wildly inappropriate behavior we’re choosing to excuse, sometimes it gets said that “that’s just how families are”? Yeah, I know that we can’t change people. We don’t have to tolerate the absurd behaviors though. We can use our voices, even if it makes things a little more uncomfortable in the moment. I’ll be the first to tell you that it’s easier said than done but slowly over time you realize it’s not as hard to do as we make it out to be in our minds. First, though, it takes an act of courage.
Dysfunctions at Functions
We don’t share feelings,
only unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Joking,
only fun for one side.
The side delivering the joke.
Bullying,
only fun from one side.
The one without their head in the toilet.
The one without emotions bottling up.
The one that’s not falling apart inside.
At least not silently, because they project.
It becomes a project
to deflect attention
away from ourselves.
A family of bullies
dressed as comedians.
This isn’t showing love,
this is just a cover-up.
We all know that it’s there,
don’t get me wrong
but the way that we show it –
it’s like singing a song
to the very wrong beat.
Dancing with our arms
but ignoring our feet –
only the part that’s for show,
never the part meant to ground.
How much longer can we go
with no one making a sound?
A scream, an eruption, a torrent of tears.
It’s going to be me,
it’s been building for years.
I’m tired of pretending
that everything is okay.
It’s only a matter of time,
it’s coming any day.
So enjoy the silence,
the pretend peace.
Keep up the bullying
for a couple more weeks.
I’m working up the courage
to finally see
if something will change
or if I’ll just leave the scene.
Much love, until next time.
Madeline May I... 