it really is remarkable
that i have made it through another winter,
that i have chosen
to shed another layer of skin,
the layer i finally realized i didn't
belong in.

it really is remarkable
that our paths have crossed,
two caterpillars of different countries
that are sometimes mistaken for
future moths

for distance is not the same as death
and the beauty has outweighed the suffering
for it's not about where you are or what you want
to go back to
it's the feeling of joy
that you will always miss,
always cherish, always try
to keep alive when you part ways and are
suddenly alone when everything starts
to inexplicably make you cry.

but what i've learned is
that there is sunlight
in the darkest crevices of the human heart,
no matter how far you go or how much you'd like
to call your sadness
art.  

so reach out to those around you,
the ones that live to see you thrive
cultivate the goodness in your heart,
make the choice to water the garden that will end up
keeping you alive.