The Mighty

“Today the sun shines higher than it has before, the air in my lungs encourages my heart to beat a little more swiftly, and the taste of a mandarin I peeled while the songbirds stirred from their sleep still lingers on my lips. Today is a good day.”

“You once had life there, on that little dirt patch, I know you did, even if nothing grows there anymore. But you’re allowed to move on, life doesn’t end in a single patch of earth. Search for ground capable of serving your roots, and grow.”

“You mistook her for calm waters when she was a hurricane, and now you have nothing left but to drown in her wake.”

“Eventually my dear, we will all die. So I will enjoy this cigarette with you now, because I would rather die sooner than not have enjoyed it.”

“I want a soulmate for tomorrow, but tonight I need a friend that loves whiskey.”

I see you brother, you’re not alone in dimly lit space. You’re worth more than these brick walls you build, protecting yourself from voices tearing you down where you stand. Sweat and stubbornness, none of it goes to waste. It hurts to hate the sun when it shines, even more the rain where it falls. This day isn’t perfect, but I want you to know that it’s yours. You have strength in your hands, compassion in your eyes, some things not to forget for all of your time. One last favor I ask before I go— love yourself, you’re not made of stone, but a heart that beats, and a mind that dreams, and each dream is worth every beat.

The cost of gentle words on a bad day is steep; an extra cup of coffee, and a dozen lashes to shape a smile. You’ve been there, you know that.

Even with the years, the wrinkles and the tears, you will never grow old to me.