maelynslavik

I made tea this morning.

I put the leaves in, watching the steam dance with childlike wonder.

I returned to my laptop, staring at a half finished chapter, the bags under my eyes more apparent than ever.

Do I know the subtle, the shallow things in life? 

Or is it merely my destiny forever to be seeking 

That which is not ours to see?

Protest after protest,

chant after chant. 

I watch and listen

as people continuously fight for their rights.

But the fighting should’ve been over

on July 4th, 1776

when it was declared that

I’m afraid of the dark

And the art

I haven’t made

The places not stayed

And the overstayed welcomes I

Know not to inhale the stratosphere keep

Both feet on the ground

And look straight ahead

This year I didn’t lay out an outfit for the fourth,

This year I wore all blue

I didn’t want to represent the other side,

Not today.

This year we didn’t go to the parade