The crickets in the midst of the heat
I thank the slips of sharp grass
The bugs that nip my city girl skin
My hair combed and short
I float, fly
Relaxing at last, tonight.

At sweet long last
No expectation, pressure
I teach myself how to just enjoy
The attention of a new man
While focusing so solely on myself
My endeavors
The fulfilling moments
I give and strive for
Within the blood and dust
Of my own soul
My own hopes.

"I know how powerful you are."
The past should have inked it into
The crook of my skin
And a flurry of memories
All equal parts sugary, beautiful
Gone
All gone
Walking up the stairs of the
Upper school
So well received
I thought
Everything looks the same
Nothing's changed
Except for me.