promise

I made a promise to myself

Padlocked it and threw away the key

Over my left shoulder with three gold coins

Splashing into the Fontana Di Trevi.

It's like the wishes I've made every birthday -

Or the dandelions I set free without purpose;

I made a promise to myself, today

That despite the sharp, sharp spirals you've

Drawn into my fingerprints,

I will continue to write.

Since the healing doesn't come from patchworked stitches

And the sweet candy-cotton of the lamb's wool.

It's never truly acceptable for my hands to shake

Unless I know that I am strong for simply being.

Showing my face like the traitor I am.

I will face the burning wind

And the sea salt streaking canyons and trenches

Through my skin.

I will keep going,

I will keep breathing

And I will always look you in the eyes as I do it.

~