I'm Only Human, When It's About Me. Poem by Basma Daher

'I'm the human'

When I do it, I'm only human.
But when they do it, somehow they are not.

When I lie, the situation forced me
I'm only human, after all.
But when they lie?
They're liars. Just that. No nuance. No grace.

When I'm lazy, I'm overburdened, burnt out, breaking.
But when they are?
They're just 'lazy people.'

When I brag, I'm sharing my achievements,
Inviting you into my victories.
But when they brag,
They're 'showing off, ' too loud, too much.

When I'm angry, when I yell at loved ones,
It's my mental health, it's justified,
I'm only human.
But when they raise their voice,
They're hurting me. Cruel. Unforgivable.

When I get annoying, I'm just having a moment
Humans get annoyed, it's normal.
But when they do it?
They're crossing lines, they're too much.

When I turn inward, forget the world,
It's self-care. It's peace. I'm healing.
But when they pull away,
They're 'narcissists.' Cold. Selfish.

When I love someone who doesn't love me back,
It's human. It's natural to want to be loved.
But when they do the same?
They're obsessed. Pathetic. Can't take a hint.

When I overthink and spiral, I'm only human, just anxious and deep.
But when they do it, they're being dramatic and needy.

When I ghost someone, I'm only human and protecting my peace.
But when they do it, they're heartless and disrespectful.

When I seek validation, I'm only human, craving connection.
But when they do it, they're attention seekers, always thirsty.

When I ignore messages, I'm only human, just overwhelmed.
But when they do it, they're rude and inconsiderate.

When I mess up and apologize late, I'm only human, scared of confrontation.
But when they do it, they're manipulative and fake.

When I get jealous, I'm only human, just scared of losing something precious.

But when they do it, they're insecure and controlling.

When I interrupt someone, I'm only human and just too passionate.
But when they do it, they're loud and disrespectful.

When I need space, I'm only human and emotionally drained.
But when they do it, they're cold and distant.

When I judge someone, I'm only human, just having thoughts.
But when they do it, they're toxic and negative.

When I don't show up, I'm only human, life got in the way.
But when they don't, they're unreliable and selfish.

When I do it, I'm only human.
But when they do it, somehow they are not.