i hope my words are strange and wondrous,

like kisses that quiet all things superfluous,

so that we can all stop and

listen

there is a month left, until i step out of the irrevocable teens.

people scoff, at my placing emphasis on all the little things i go through in life,

why i document dates, and moments and cleave to them again and again.

its really simple.

i document all my moments, because this way i remember

and when i remember, i don't forget.

when i don't forget, i remain grateful.

and my gratefulness makes me a better person.

i am reading this past year with the knowledge that it is the last year of my childhood.

as i flip the pages, tracing its trajectory with my fingertips

the words they

paint strength, faith and hope into my veins.

the final pages of this chapter are approaching,

and my excitement grows

in spite of the tears in my eyes,

the apprehension in my heart,

and the breathlessness on my lips.

with each turn

i watch my ugliness drain away

as i fade into you

and become something entirely new

and in a moment like this

where i stop and sit

to think about how terrible and wonderful it has all been

i find my joy.