if you are face down in the dirt,
and you are breathing, but barely,
let me say one thing:
i am glad, at least, that you've
learned to crawl.

i was not there when you were
born from the womb and your
tiny screaming lungs unleased
all the wonders that keep you
down, and around

they tie you to the spot, with
witchery and words
that sting what was once so whole
and honest and bleeding to be open

you've done nothing wrong!

now your legs have gained the needed
strength. and you're beginning
to stand and to turn and to embrace-
yes, you are learning to walk away.

their eyes burn and scar; if there's
bloodshed, remember, it's because you
are the only one who's truly alive.

you are running now, finally,
and if i could have one wish,
i would wish that you would
never look back.

02/09/2005

Author's Note: for a friend who should never, ever look back. and for what it's worth, they don't deserve you. they never did. // but on a completely different note, i am really not happy with this; i just wanted to get the emotion out.

Posted on 02/10/2005
Copyright © 2026 Lauren Pearl