i hear it now.

not a whisper

nor a shout

i hear it now.

the future

a call

distant

melancholy?

i can’t help

but wonder

how much am I leaving behind?

i hear it now.

This year feels … 

different. 

Like there’s anticipation 

hanging in the air. 

This year feels … 

scary. 

Like there’s so much 

uncertainty 

This year,

I want my family and friends to be safe.

I want them to be happier than they ever imagined.

I want to see smiles that shine brighter than the sun.

I want to hear laughter that last forever.

This year,

Footprints of tourists painting the sand,

The cries of the ocean berating the land.

Chappell Roan and milestones,

Informing the world we aren’t fighting alone.

Ten teenagers talking til the old year gives way,

Once upon a time,

There was a little girl

Barely above the age of 7

Forcing her eyes

To stay open

Awaiting the new year

The little girl

Was excited

She believed

Everything would work out

I will be unafraid of my future because I'll grow into who I want to be. 

I will know I can do things I never thought of because I got through high school. 

This feels like the countdown to doomsday.

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...Proposing all branches be put under presidential control...

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