Don't

Don’t talk to me like I’m unsure

Don’t test my patience like it’s free

Don’t mistake my silence for permission

Or my past for availability

Don’t ask me to be smaller

Don’t ask me to be kind about disrespect

Don’t act surprised when I stop explaining

What you should already get

Don’t confuse access with entitlement

Don’t confuse comfort with truth

Don’t lean on who I used to be

That version is done with you

Don’t call me difficult

When I stop accepting less

Don’t say I’ve changed

Like that’s a threat

Don’t cross lines and call it honesty

Don’t push me and expect grace

Don’t ask me to stay quiet

I don’t do that anymore

Don’t raise your voice to feel taller

Don’t posture like I won’t notice

Don’t sell confidence without substance

Don’t mistake noise for focus

Don’t hand me excuses

Like they’re effort or care

Don’t expect me to carry

What you won’t repair

Don’t ask for understanding

When you refuse to listen

Don’t ask for patience

When you keep repeating

Don’t call me dramatic

When I finally say no

Don’t tell me I’m too much

For rooms that won’t grow

Don’t ask me to soften

So you don’t feel exposed

Don’t act confused

When I close the door

Don’t mistake restraint for weakness

Don’t mistake calm for fear

Don’t wait until I walk away

To suddenly get clear

Don’t ask me for another chance

Like I owe you one

Don’t forget — I warned you

Before I was done

Don’t talk to me like I’m unsure

Don’t play games you can’t defend

Don’t expect me to bend again

That era’s at its end

Don’t reach for what you didn’t respect

Don’t ask for what you broke

Don’t look shocked when I choose myself

I told you — don’t

Don’t follow

Don’t call

Don’t explain

Don’t wait

I said don’t.