and now, I leave you with this:

when we finally learn

that a lover is not a doll

that a friend is not a slave

that a pet is not a stuffed animal

that a soldier is not an action figure

and that we do not deserve to have what we want

just because we want it —

maybe then

we can truly love

have real friends

embrace nature as we do ourselves

spare lives where previously thought impossible

and know that only not-having

makes having anything

worthwhile

.

.

.

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Last Words.”