I dream of 22

Of freedom 

Of happiness

Of bliss

Of life

 

21 has been nothing but pain 

Bruised thighs and frozen toes

Red hands and swollen fingers

Brought in through the darkest, coldest nights 

On a long, hard road

Filled with blood, sweat, tears

Shaky arms and long car rides

Secret meals and bargains 

Concussions and blurred vision 

Streaks and ER visits

Lies and gaslighting

Binders, notecards and poems 

Facetimes and hot apartments

Sleepless nights and bloody noses

Barren faces and frizzy hair  

Mind, body, and soul sacrifices

 

But now, I see the light 

As I refract this light, I pray for better days

I pray to reconnect with my 22