Inside the Lines

I thought of you today as I used my colored pencils.

I remember you teaching me how to color.

How to stay inside the lines,

How to angle the crayon just right.

Your picture would always be flawless.

With steady hand, I attempted to do the same.

What you didn't realize in that moment was

That you laid a foundation for a life.

My life.

You taught me how beautiful it looks when everything stays

Inside the lines.

But you also told me that it was okay when my crayon would slip

Outside the lines.

This taught me that life isn't always perfect,

But you can still find the beauty in it.

This is how you've lived your life.

And I will live my life in that same way:

Staying inside the lines,

Accepting the times I slip,

And leaving a colorful mark on the lives of those I touch.