They are

there is no better feeling

then being with

the ones who make me smile

by just being alive

the way they know who i am

and embrace that

no matter what the world says

they are my cousins

parents

aunts

family friends

they have watched me grow up

clapped when they heard

i had finally learned how to walk

finally biked without being afraid

finally finished a chapter book

they held me up

when i was falling apart

they are my joy

my comfort

my safe space

when my world feels like its ripping

at the seams.