Oxygen

By: Dominic Kelley 

 

I can still remember the times we’d run around the autumn trees, kicking leaves, poking fun at life’s tricky game called love - just because we could.

Where the joy we fed these trees synthesized into everlasting treasure just for us. Where not even mom’s call for dinner could block our endless, bubbling, imagination.

So then how did we get here?

When between then and now did we forget our true passions? When between then and now did we decide that this home we encompass called skin became an experience that we were unfit to live in? When did we lose hope?

I’m not sure

And maybe that’s just one of life’s plot holes that we will never be able to fill. But I am sure of one thing.

You are enough.

Perfect is not the word – see perfect was a word made up by someone unable to see the world’s beauty in any lens other than their own.

You are light, that shines through our cracked blinds, keeping us awake - You are air, that fills our lungs with a steady supply of this little gift we call life - You are water, that replenishes our blooming gardens and falls against our cheeks to comfort us when the sun just isn’t enough - You are a tall hot brew from Starbucks, millions of people around the world rely on you, because just one sip of your contagious warmth can’t help but energize everyone who crosses your path. 

You’ve matured so young and had to grow up so fast, but you should never feel as if you are ever anything less than worth it. And if I could, I would take these handcuffs off of you and free you from this agonizing prison

But I can’t 

So I need you to believe in yourself. For me.

But until then, I’ll sit here with you - bounded - my hand to yours, until you can reach the key.

And there’s no rush, you see, on the days you can’t believe in yourself, I’ll be right here, at your side, believing in you - because

I can still remember the times we’d run around the autumn trees, kicking leaves, poking fun at life’s tricky game called love - just because we could.

Can you?