IRL.

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.