Sonnet for Myself

 

Before I can welcome you, I must know

what made you, my person, so despise me.

 

Remember, we were born perfect, with skin

like warm wax, a tongue that knew its own mouth

 

and you rejoiced in our union before

language and shame converged. Then, like a young

 

octopus you jutted off to seek a

safer disguise while I waited for you.

 

Please understand, we cannot be strangers,

I am you and you are me no matter

 

how badly you wish it were otherwise.

The peace you seek is here inside this skin

 

so before it’s too late, come home where you

belong, where everything you need awaits.