My existence needs no apology.

My existence needs no apology.

My existence can be met with:

-celebration (curiosity)

-neutrality (indifference)

-disdain (anger)

Or a great many other reactions

But my existence needs no apology.

What you perceive of me or onto me, is not me,

How you interpret my words, is not necessarily my meaning

Why you fancy me, has little to do with who I actually am.

My existence needs no apology.

Pain and suffering 

Needs an explanation

Because there seems to be

far too much of it in our world

Pain and suffering—

pain and suffering

Needs an apology

The horrors in this world,

The hatred in this world,

The hurt in this world,

Needs an apology.

My existence needs no apology.

Written by Rose A. Fitzgerald during a Therapeutic Poetry Workshop courtesy of SocietyX with Lisa Ann Markuson regarding apologies.

Maps: Point A to B to C is to B(e)

Where I want to be seems so far away
The path invisible to the naked eye
Unknown landmines buried deep

The road thus far has been winding indeed

The distance from point A and B appears short

But the circles and explosions and unspeakables

Have lengthened the journey

I wish to see clearly the path laid out before me

How can I get there?

Must I fly above, dig and crawl, swivel and dance?

Tell me how, show me now, let me know

And I will happily go.

What bridges do I cross,

Which ones do I burn?

A bird flying high(er) looks down at the earth below

Who is to say?

Is the path already known?
Is it written with each singular step?

Is it set in stone or can it be erased and rerouted?

The distance from point B to C seems so far

But maybe, that’s a deceptive mirage

Maybe, just maybe.. to C is to

Look right here, just ahead

Maybe, just maybe to C is to B(e)

Maybe, just maybe, where I want to be

Is already here inside of me.

Written by Rose A. Fitzgerald during a Therapeutic Poetry Workshop courtesy of SocietyX with Lisa Ann Markuson regarding maps.