22/Kelsey Madsen

I close my eyes.

one

She reaches out, grasping for my hand
I wish I could save her but no one can
Her head looks up 
Wide-eyed, messy hair
A face of innocence, I wish I could prepare
Her for the messes of life
The anxieties, the pressure
Being pretty, being skinny, 
Everyone uses success as a measure
Of their popularity, their acceptance
The standards they’re supposed to meet
You’re perfect just the way you are, 
yet you’ll never feel complete

two 

Our eyes lock again as
Her face longs to meet mine
She begs for my help
A push in the right direction, an omen, a sign
I remind her of her beauty
Of her heart, her mind, her soul
“Society will try to make you feel alone,” I say
“But you don’t need another half 
to make you whole”

three

Our hands are intertwined now
Fingers locked in a tight grip
She squeezes my hand a little tighter
When our fingers start to slip
I know she’ll do big things
Reach for the moon and
Land among the stars
“Remember that you’re worthy and you’re loved
When people try to tell you who you are”
Our fingers slowly slip away
I see uneasiness in her eyes
She’s unsure of her future
As we start to say goodbye
“I’m so proud of you,” I say
“You’re going to do amazing things”
“Make sure you don’t settle for comfort,
Be bold and spread your wings”

I open my eyes.

My vision clear now, I see the
Candles on my cake flicker slowly
Glancing up I see my family in the room
And I start to feel less lonely
I am proud of who I was, who I am, and who I’ll be 
I take a breath and blow out my candles
As I silently wish a happy birthday to me

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