Im breaking through shallow ground and all along I thought I was buried in the thick of it. Raise my limbs- who am I doing this for? There’s comfort in the dirt. I wish to reside here forever. It’s held me close for so long- and when I get scared, I can stay buried in it. But I’m starting to let the sunlight sting alittle. I’m standing with the flowers and stretching each palm alongside the bloom. I’m remembering what I missed out on and refusing to chase it- tell myself I’ll plant new seeds where I stand and watch what grows. I hold sorrow like a crutch, but now I want to drop it and stand alone. Taste the air, even when it’s sour. Open my arms to find me. Understand me. Hold my spirit close and trace it back to the beauty I built without staying buried. -AMT