Zemira

No.

No, no, no, no!

It can't be December,

not yet.

Because just a minute ago, 

we were going back to school shopping.

And now we're almost halfway through the year?

It doesn't make sense.

Slow and drawn out

the aftermath of recovering from harsh conditions

yet still standing

the beauty of ancient strength and wisdom radiating from it

yet still full of surprises

still going

still growing

Mom

It's getting worse

I hate 

the way my tummy rolls when i sit in this chair and how i feel guilty when i eat a whole bag of peeler gummies and when i don't eat because i hate how i look in the mirror

Dad 

We hold hands and they call us lovebirds,

But they are too colorful and noticeable,

Not nearly strong enough as your grip,

As your hands around my waist,

Keeping me from falling (but it's already too late.)