how much i've grown.

and you thought you could **** me?

i fed these branches, leaves, and flowers.

so come, bring your axe, too.

you may be strong enough to cut me down,

but the nursery tree raises the most beautiful things.

“i love you.”

well, that was a lie.

be practical, mom says.

in your career, your relationships, your life.

do not seek what you love, but what is safe.

i look at the woman who lives by this advice, whose life consists of small moments of relief from reality. a woman consumed by anxiety and unhappiness.

this is not really living.

i know this world is mean. i know you mean well, mom. but i would rather die pursuing a love i will never find than settle for what is practical.

your way of life is the last thing i want.

i know you worry. i know you are afraid, but i am not.

let me go. let me live. you will see, i will love and find love you never thought possible.