even in illness
I’m grateful for my body
for its care and guard

sleepwalking through life
an active fight I won’t lose
anymore time to

my sweet comfort zone
meant to protect me from harm
but built walls instead

still, between comforts
I thank all my lucky stars
and drift into sleep

a fear of failure
has ultimately become
the chief step to loss

always looking up
when my search for respite slows
I can find her there

stuck in a slow burn
watching each other fall in
for fear of unknowns

love and company
case of identity theft
without discernment

our stories are sung
through memories embroidered
in our belongings

this is how you dance
hold on to hope, love, and fear
let them intertwine

rich intricacies
the depths of our surroundings
full, a few steps back

I dream of mountains
steam from my favorite tea
and breakfasts for two

and when I looked up
I heard the wind’s soft whispers
“I want you around.”

here, in this temple
sitting in the aftermath
I forgive myself

meet me in gardens
we can speak through the flowers
make a bed of roots

stay in the shadows
let magic work in silence
there are no deadlines

cling to compassion
try to understand yourself
let the pieces fall

suddenly time’s still
facades and masks surrendered
do you still see me?