In The Event This Doesn't Fall Apart

by Shannon Lee Barry

There are things, little girl, that you cannot dream up. You’ll find them sitting right in front of you at twenty-five.

It’s raining hard in your brain and I can’t keep you warm and I can’t keep you safe but I’m trying to protect you.

And that is what it’s like to be loved by you. I am exceptional, even when I’m awful. I am happy even when I’m sad.