Introspection (Page 15)

A photograph of a Monarch butterfly hanging from a cluster of purple and orange flowers

The way that I was made,
the people I have known,
have all played their role,
in the way that I have grown.

All the things I’ve gone through,
the trials I have faced,
all those things, both good and bad,
have led me to this place.

[continue]. . .

A woman stands on a long, wooden dock that stretches out into the distance. She is wearing a lightweight, ivory-colored jacket, striped stockings, and a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor, All Star, high-top sneakers. With both hands, she holds an old suitcase in front of her. It is made of light brown leather, is water-stained, and has a handful of torn and worn out pieces of travel stickers stuck to its front. One of the matching, leather securing straps is missing.

I started looking deep inside.
Finding ways to let down my guard
and be true to who I am
instead of running and hiding from myself.

(695 words)

[continue]. . .