emotions

i’m beginning to think
the most ragged parts of me
are the most worthwhile
the staggering emotions
the torrents of overwhelm
fill the world with beauty

sure, sometimes i’m scared
of just how far this pain goes
a path winding farther
than i’ve ever dared walk
a place where sideways winds
stipple the sky with snow

but, just beyond those trees
the sun dances on the gold
grasses rustle like waves crashing
stubborn petals paint the field
with brushstrokes of rosy hope

someone carved on that trunk
”we need more dogs”
a wink of spontaneity
and girls pull up stalks of grass
to braid into bracelets

god, i could cry
tears prickle behind my eyes
chest bubbles and tightens
and before i feel ashamed
i remember no one’s the same

i’m both paths at once
i am everyone i’ve known
and i’m the passenger within
rippling in and out
shaping worlds with my emotions