Submissions by HMLunsford (Hailey Lunsford)

Dear Younger Self,
I didn't tell you enough of anything
I didn't tell you enough that you don't need to hide under a baggy hoodie even when it's 96 degrees outside
I didn't tell you enough that you are worth more than keeping your mouth sealed tight instead of having an opinion
I didn't tell you enough that you are worth more than stashing rusty razors in your favorite novels
I didn't tell you that you are worth more

Dear Younger Self,
You feel like a star right now
Putting out so much energy to stay afloat but burning yourself to oblivion ...

I.

When I first met you I was darkened by the shadow of a cowardly boy, pain drenched, loneliness seeping out of every pore, silently screaming hoping someone would notice

II.

When I first met you you were quiet in the back, storm clouds in your eyes, a clench in your jaw that stated you definitely did not want to be there

III.

When I first met you you gave me a look of wariness and wonder-lust like I was a new video game that came out but you didn't know if you liked the cover or not

IV.

When I first met you I...

I am fire and fruit
On any given day I am pleasure and pain
I am harmony and chaos
I am a battle in which victory is always two steps ahead
I am freedom and I am bondage
You cannot have one without the other
When the sun rises I am whole and unconditional
But when it sets turmoil seeps from every pore in my body
My mind and soul are two halves of one world
And they both exist simultaneously
Fighting to figure out which one will see the sun today
This body is a host to a never ending storm
It pushes me to my knees to worship creation...