we run through life's tunnel--
terrified,
walls covered in mirrors,
our reflections always on display
for the passersby.

a straight path,
reminding us of our imperfect
reflections,
until we reach the end--
glass hitting us right in the face.

that's all we see at the end--
ourselves,
and all the people we wished we could be,
replacing our reflection.

in reflections, what we see
is never what we want to be.

my tears flood the bathroom floor—
an out of order sign
hangs on the stall door.

my feet kick it open—
the sign falling.
my heart will stay open,
despite this drowning.

I turn on the light—
invite people in.
why not have a heart
that is filled to its’ brim?

despite my reckless, messy,
selfish, and hurt,
each light lingers on,
every door opens through the dirt.

my heart will stay open—
like a shift that never ends,
or a city that never sleeps,
embracing new trends.

and from you, I’ve learned
that closing your heart
with each break and bend
will one day snap you apart