Own

I do not own

you

nor do I

owe

you

any explanations

take it

leave it

I am my own

I have,

have-

showing possession

ownership-

temporary.

I will not always,

but for now

I have:

a body

a mind

feelings

...

what I like to call

myself.

...

I am not just my body-

it was given to me.

I do not control how

it looks

or is perceived.

Like a plant,

I try to take care of it

and help it grow

strong, 

happy,

healthy.

I am not only mind-

although it sometimes feels

it has me when

I am alone with it.

In practice,

I have control over it.

I try to feed it

useful

and fantastic sustenance.

I am more than my feelings-

I have no control over their outbursts

flaring up

and I have to fight them,

negotiate,

tell them that they have no

control

over me.

I own myself.

my

self

Not you

not your body

not your actions

not your decisions.

your

self

But for all

that I do not, could not

ever wish 

to own

I would like to love 

just the same

as I do my own.