I’m Giving Up

I’m giving up 

Pushing boulders up mountains. 

I’m giving up

Trying to sell my soul. 

I’m giving up

Trying to be something

I never wanted to be in the first place,

And the voices that say I don’t already know who I am. 

 

I’m giving up

Productivity 

I’m giving up 

Hacks

I’m giving up

Clicks and likes and links. 

I’m giving up

Hustling for the algorithm’s attention.

 

I’m giving up 

Self help.

I’m giving up

Listening to other people’s gurus. 

I’m giving up

Giving up my power

To anyone who claims to know me

Better than me. 

 

I’m giving up

Trying to earn a seat at your table. 

I’m giving up 

Being the audience 

for your branding. 

I’m giving up 

What you’re selling. 

I’m giving up 

Empowerment 

that comes with a price tag 

on the back of another. 

 

I’m giving up 

Measuring my worth 

by checks on a list

Instead of the poems 

I’ve written and lived. 

 

And the only speed I want to measure 

is how quickly I can reach your heart.