Chlorine Sky

by Mahogany L. Browne

to my younger self: you deserve, you deserve, you deserve

It feels good to walk with my family & not have to worry about if they like me or not

Because here I am with a chance to do different & instead of being loyal to myself

A friend is someone seeing you & hearing you without you having to say everything Every time

I don’t want to be but the way my patience is set up The way my anxiety is set up The way I want to fall to the ground & Hug my stomach from all the knots This nod will have to do.

Cousin Inga says never trust a person that can’t look me in the eyes & I want to believe it’s that easy.

You got to keep swinging, Lil’ Cousin because you’re the real prize.

Remember, somebody see you, even when the sky looks pitch black & you can’t see the outline of your own hand even when there are so many moving parts & you can’t find the man on your team You’re never really alone.

You pick yourself, I mean Really choose yourself every day

I take my time back I am not forgettable I get to be here Right here & now I get to take up space too