Literature
Boundaries.
She felt guilt Guilt for this word It felt like an ugly word But it wasn't an ugly word No, that was her guilt talking She had these And she'd make a point to enforce them Damn everything else However, it wasn't that simple No, she would become small and quiet Stomped on like a mouse When she tried Within, she was screaming Berating herself for not having the strength To put her foot down She wanted to lash out It's instinctive to lash out However, it was just as instinctive To remain a quiet mouse (trauma response) They wondered why she seemed distant Or so upset with them She had her peace to protect And she didn't want to spiral—again (as such would be worse) This word felt ugly It wasn't an ugly word Yet, her guilt made it sting She questioned her reasonings She's oft conflicted about such matters But she knew that some need these And hers have been stomped on No wonder she seemed so distant No, she didn't have this word She started to be more closed off Rather, more