Summer’s safe

By Abby Karstrand

An old man comes up to us at the park and says

How do you know that it’s a good day?

Because your eyes open and your heart is beating

And we laugh because it’s a pretty funny thing to be approached by an old man at the park

But I look at the people I’m with

And feel fully comfortable

And when my eyes open

I don’t feel dread

I used to go to bed every night

Praying that I wouldn’t wake up in the morning

And now I tell people everyday that they’re lives are going to get better

And I’m excited for them

Excited for myself

That I can be here

That I can improve

That I became someone who is so loved

And so free to give my love to others