in the midst of young, adolescent confusion
i reached out my hands, open
to grab any semblance of self I could find
i did not know then
who I was
i did not know then
who I would become
what I found, here
was incomprehensibly kind
and softness was something
i still felt was difficult to find
of all the people who could have
helped shape my mind
i am glad
it was you
i found a place
i could hold onto
without being afraid
without pulling back my hands
scared of the mess I might make
instead of using my fists
to cover my face
i rested my fingers
in the hands of friends
i have grown since then
changed astronomically
somewhat comically
from young girl, to woman
with my hands still outstretched
ink stains etched
onto the flesh of my palms
even through distance
i have been held in arms
that have only ever been kind
i did not ever expect to be
a community MVP
but to see you all reaching back to me
and holding my fingers in your hands
i don’t think you could possibly understand
in every flinch
every shiver
every heartache that has made me quiver
you have been there
giving me air
thank you
for making me laugh
for indirectly helping
to choreograph
every love poem
i have ever had the pleasure
of pouring out
in every moment of doubt
here, I found light
and I think you can see it
in all that I write
thank you
for being so kind.
02:21pm - 23/12/25.