I Will Not Apologize Poem by Randy McClave

Things that I no longer apologize for
Number one, I will not apologize for being poor,
I will not apologize on how I was brought up
And how I drank from a paper cup.
I will not ever apologize for my feelings
I need my own healings,
And I will not ever apologize for other things
Which sadness brings.
I will not apologize for my firm boundaries
Or how intact are my memories,
Saying no to something I'm not interested in doing
And not believe in suing.
I don't mind being emotional or crying
Or getting angry when someone is cheating or lying,
Not answering the phone when I can't or don't feel like it
That's my favorite boundary I do admit.
Sometimes I need to step back or take a break
Sometimes I'll ask for a handshake,
And asking for clarity when I don't understand
Sometimes I must see it all firsthand.
I will not apologize for the times I fell in love
Knowing it is the greatest feeling there ever was,
I will not apologize for those times
With those memories my heart still chimes.
I wonder sometimes how other people behave
Sometimes they don't love a person until they're in the grave,
While they don't seemingly care
But, when they are dead only then do they give a prayer.
I will not apologize for changing and becoming better
Or not agreeing with someone to the letter,
For me you might not give two cents or a damn
But, I am indeed proud of who I am.
I will not ever apologize for putting myself first
I can't be anything to anyone if I am nothing but coerced,
And I'm not settling for less than what I deserve
That fact I will always persevere.
I will not apologize to let go when I need to
That is soulful and true,
And I know that in life we all run our own race
So, I'll never apologize for doing at my own pace.

Randy L. McClave