you are six years old and i want to tell you
that soon you will understand things better
even if it hurts
even if you don't want to

you are nine years old and i want to tell you
that your value isn't determined by pain, mistakes, or a long and difficult journey off the beaten path
(theirs isn't determined by blood, either)

you are eleven years old and i want to tell you:
don't shut yourself up, don't stop talking to the moon
because you have a lot to say and someday someone will listen

you are fourteen years old and i want to tell you
that you are precious, you are light
you are a being much beyond this flesh vessel you are so intent on destroying
please, put down the razor and start writing poetry already

you are sixteen years old and i want to tell you
that you are wise but have a lot to learn
you are strong but not invincible
you have a gentle soul and it must be treated as such