I’m Re’Niisha 
but I’ve also been Alexis 
someone I had to be 
when I wasn’t protected

Friend
a term used l o o s e l y 
calls me his homegirl to hide our intimacy 
avoid eye contact to cover the chemistry

his notifications silenced 
to forget what he did to me

but what about the nights
you laid your pain right here?
what about when I was folded?
bodies laid bare

souls intertwined

Deep breaths while he entered me
and his kids he left behind
you uncovered wounds from the past
and I held them delicately

Made myself a safe place
for you to exist next to me

You needed help
I gave energy freely
cleaned up your space
like loving you came easy

Never asked for much in return
just be a good friend to me
give me honesty
consideration and transparency

But why am I standing here alone
when you brought us to this place?
opened me all the way up
just to pull back once we faced

Sex alone wasn’t enough
and we both knew it was true
cause now we’re emotionally connected
and that reality scares you

So you leave
then come back once your emotions settle
I become just another box 
compartmentalized in your mental

You disappear mid sentence
and I’m left confused
trying to understand
how love gets treated like something to misuse

I get punished for being a genuine woman
good enough to sleep with
good enough to pour into
but never the one commitment is given to

Every night feels crowded
like there’s always somebody new you’re holding
while I’m stuck carrying memories
and the secrets you told me

Then morning comes tragic
emptiness inside
trying to fill a void with another body
that gets deeper every time

Still you call me
when your world gets rough
to pour again from my cup
like I haven’t already given enough