People are never just people
Have you ever sat in a circle
With a group of acquaintances
You've known a few days --
You met at a camp, or a club, or a journey --
And stayed up all night?
Truth or dare, no holds barred, no limits
Besides the basic decency of humanity?

Have you ever
Done so many things you're ashamed of
And so many things you're proud of
In one night
That you have no idea what you feel?
Fear, the pounding thrill of breaking rules,
The sweet rebellion of being different,
The intoxication of belonging?
But mostly,
The love -- the broken
Brothers and sisters in your circle
Going from middle-school dares
To their family's secrets,
Their darkest fears,
And most poignant dreams
The sweet kiss of hello
Tinged with the bitter poison of goodbye.

I learned something tonight.
I learned that the "****" is funny and smart,
That the "goth" is brave and strong,
That I am beautiful.
Apparently.
I learned that people are afraid of being known
But they are even more afraid
Of being alone
And sooner or later, we have to trust someone.

You learn so much
When you break the rules.
I am sad. The night is almost over,
And morning tastes of farewell
To all the soulmates
I've only just met
The ten of us
Teenagers, in a dark room
With only a flashlight,
Defying the power of dawn
Defying fear and pain and regret
By refusing to say goodbye.
Not yet.
We have three hours left.
One. One-half.
Ten minutes. Five.
We will never say goodbye.