Sorry

By: Erin Elliott

I have a habit of
Apologizing for things that make me human:
Aggressive sneezing that interrupts a quiet class
Is met with a meek, “Bless You,”
And an apology-from me.

Running late for church
When I was six-
Constant brushing did nothing
To tame my unruly hair,
Uneasy at my mother’s frustration,
I apologized.

I say to a friend,
I am sorry for my emotions
For rambling about the things
I am passionate about-
The things that make me come alive.

But I am not sorry,
I will not apologize,
For caring so deeply
I give it the power to break me-
Without it I would not be human.