Writing

and they're all breathless 

telling me of the doctors who defied odds and 

the athletes who destroyed records and 

the CEOs and chefs and 

and what if, 

yes I think they're cool and 

I step outside.

Haven’t been out here in a while;

I prefer the solitude of my room,

With my clutter and junk

Reminding me of this year

Who I am

What time of my life I’m in.

Outside,

I'll make it look easy

I'll hold my head high

And move on

By that I mean

I'll see how hard it is

Shut my eyes tight

And dwell on the past in my mind

I have to set the pace

Hair tucked behind ears,

Cheeks pink and glowing,

Smiles illuminated by the sun,

Weeping willow branches cascading like poetry

Onto fluttered-closed eyelashes;

The cool air on my face.

The sun blazing overhead.

Running through the neighborhood with friends.

With no fears of school bothering your mind.

It's a choice, every day.

It's a choice to love someone

To reach out your hand

To open your heart

And it's a choice to keep loving them

Through thick and thin.

It's a choice to stop.