1.
Look in the mirror and practice
saying I love you until the words come out
sounding like the song birds you heard
while washing your body in a river
that looked like glass before being shattered by
waterfall.

2.
The muscles in your cheeks will hurt sometimes
when you smile too much,
but remember that ache when you are feeling lost.
Even happiness is hard.
Keep telling yourself it is worth it.

3.
Scars and bruises cover your body
like a map to remind you
which falls hurt the most,
and that you stood up again.

4.
Grow flowers in your bones
so that you aways have a gift to give.
Sometimes, that gift is yourself.