and told my 5-year old self
what's been happening to me lately
I bet he would look into my eyes
jump out of that hospital bed
and cry with joy and laughter

I would've told him
that he finally made friends, the ones he has always dreamed of
That he was able to run and touch his toes
and try out all kinds of sports
That he was able to ride a bike, drive a car
and traveled to all sorts of places
That he was able to meet and talk to all sorts of people

That he was able to celebrate an unknown feeling to him called "Love"
That he was able to gaze upon such people and to feel and understand love
That he fell in love with someone who he'd never thought he'd be in love with
That he fell in love, fought, lost and loved again

If I were able to see my 5-year old self
I would look at him with teary eyes saying
"You will be happy"

Cry not for me,
my loving ones.
I have spent
my time
on this Earth
chasing dreams
as best I could;
working,
struggling,
loving.
I have been through much,
as some may know,
that others will discover
only in retelling.
If there is a heaven,
perhaps it knows;
these old bones
are weary
and yearn for their rest.
So cry not for me,
my loving ones,
for I am surrounded
by the ones I love,
who I too will sorely miss.
Not farewell,
I hope,
but rather, till we meet again.”

To the common passerby
she is a beauty
with
her flowing hair
and flawless skin,
but to the one who knows her
she is fire,
she is rain;
a combination
of fury,
and melancholy
hidden behind
misty eyes
kept in plain sight.
As she takes in
the grey air
that takes her to
another space,
another time,
even her shattered dreams
come to life once more.
If only temporarily.