Persistent nudges on your gut

Like nails clawing on your heart

Like whispers that condemn inside your head-

Like words that do not go

Like tears that dare flow

Like stares that pierce your soul

Like hands-

On your neck

Gripping the exhilarating rope-

Your self hatred never shows

But clings to you wherever you go

Inside, where no one's allowed to go-

Inside, where its roots grow-

There, it lays its home.