By: Candice Mazon

i have been used to falling
falling
falling.
but this year, i rose.
and everything bloomed.
love came in drizzles,
then in waves
reaching the shore
then pulling back on itself.
loving this skin
has never been free flowing.
but i tried.
like always, i tried.

tried to walk on tightrope
hoping there was a net underneath.
tried to drink starlight
and ended up light headed.
tried to laugh with the universe
and realized i loved its silences.
this year brought adventures
in familiar cities,
in unfamiliar buildings,
and even within the confines
of a twin sized bed.

the better things
that i’ve been waiting on
came with an embrace.
they saw my face looking out the window,
with cobwebs in my hair,
longing in my hands.
they stumbled in, then told me,
“thank you for believing
everything would turn out okay.”
because it did.
and more things will come.
some unwelcome visitors,
but also moments of bliss.
so i will continue to look at the moon,
as she tries to hide herself
night after night.
and i will continue to be brave,
and be afraid.
be reckless,
and too cautious.
and i will continue to love
who i love,
catch all the hurt
with these birdcage hands,
have faith in the Fates,
and trust in the strength
embedded in my DNA
to venture on.
as always,
as always,
as always.