Reid@YWP

In the depths of winter,

in such dry weather,

I go out to get wood,

the cold biting my skin.

I wear gloves to prevent splinter 

made of fine, durable, and tough leather,

I do not understand how some people choose to live in ignorance of the world around them

Ignorance is not bliss

It is deciding that you do not care to know about the struggles of others

We are Gen-Z 

Even if you don't think so.

We are here even if we 

Pretend we’re not.

We are matter.  

We take up space.

We are important 

Even if we don't think we are. 

I hold my secrets in the shape of stars,

constellation-clustered candy like flaming balls of gas.

Sometimes they have five points.

Sometimes six.

Always, they burn

in that space inside your head

I went to the LGBTQ+ youth center for the first time.

For a year 

I stared at the website, 

wanting nothing more than to go.

When I finally went, on a Wednesday,

always carry your keys between your middle and ring finger 

never have your wallet visible 

don't listen to music in public 

everyone's a stranger 

you're our child; don't scare us.