How to Exist

The world has told me

“You only exist when I say so.”

But I am here, aren’t I? Flesh and blood.

Skinned knees and broken heart?

The world shouts over my questions

“You are but a blink! A speck!”

I blink, but I remain despite the conviction.

Voice poised to argue. Pockets filled with spare words.

The world growls

“How dare you!”

And I smile because this is what I am here for.

To bring chaos. To bring love. To render myself in color.

The world trembles now

“You gain too much.”

No. Not enough. I need more. Power. Bravery. Courage.

Hatred. Anger. Rage. Passion. Lust. Envy. Joy. Trust.

The world stills

“Please, don’t stray too far.”

A falter

A misstep

A chasm beneath my feet

A hand

A tight grip

A friend!

“You exist. I exist. We exist.”

And I do. In swirls of color.

With an abundance of love.

With the urge to save the world.

The world that tried to keep me blind.

I AM HERE.

In brilliant dances with the sun and moon.

Telling the stars all the stories I bottle up.

Laughing with the rain as it gossips with the trees.

I AM REAL.

In the loudest silences in the biggest rooms.

In the brightest shadows in the deepest caves.

In the saddest smiles on the sweetest faces.

I EXIST.