Reid@YWP

Growing up, music was always a constant. 

Then, it meant very little to me. 

It was only background noise, but always there. 

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,

Last night, I left the basement light on.

The stairs creaked and my paper-thin pajamas

rustled as the sickly little bulb pulled me close.

Sometimes there is so much to love 

that it hurts. 

Like a hole, waiting to be emptied as it's being filled. 

That preemptive pain; anticipation of loss. 

The sky cries

with rain.

The sky snows for every whispered secret

from under thick blankets

in the dark

for the kid in everyone

that finds joy

the sky hugs with snow.

That house, worn down by sun and salt rain, was doomed. In a few years,

it would be a hollow replacement, gone from our stale grown-up brains.