Giving up.

They tell me to get rid of it

Like it’s just a layer

That I can rip off of my skin.

They tell me to forget about it

Like its one mistaken childhood memory,

As if I can forget one thing and

Be better the next day.

They tell me it’ll be easy,

That its more important.

If I forget everything that makes me sad,

I can forget all about myself,

My humanity is not as important.  

They tell me to get happy

Like its lining the aisles

Of the convenience store.

Hell, it’d be pretty convenient

If i could ask the store clerk what aisle I could find happy in.

Maybe I could get it on sale

A cheap, knock-off version of what I really want,

What I really need.

They tell me that it’s better than what I have now.

That having myself isn’t as important.

They tell me not to give up on getting happy,

but instead to give up on myself

Reviews

[Tai Ryens]

Stunning capture of your emotions within every moment that you are told the same thing you are told over and over again, to simply get over it. It is quite a perceivable notion and it would seem so simple to give up what is bothering us, but sadly, such a thing could be one of the most difficult things we ever do. Well done.

[Briana O'Connor]

I love the way you stick with reality in this piece. It is a piece that most people, especially myself, can relate to. It would truly be amazing if we could, indeed, simply shop for happiness. Life would be so simple. I did chuckle at that part of the story. It was a nice addition that brought humor and flavor. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed the read.