When Sunlight Comes Pouring Down

Leaves tickle my feet as they rush into the air

The woods come alive with the red, orange, yellow, and green shimmering around me

A zephyr gently smooths down the trees’ hairs and braids them, one by one

I gaze dreamily into space, thinking of nothing 

Of nothing until one memory breaks the surface 

Seagulls wheeled around in the sky while dark waves advanced towards me

All the trees, currents, birds, and humans—even the sky—became eyes

Eyes that preyed into my soul 

I dropped into a ball

Tears sliding out

Hoping for another life

A life not filled with betrayal and neglect

A life in which I can choose

Life

The grassy slope

The dandelions bobbing up and down

The birds hopping around as if they are on fire

The petals skating down the tree

The tearstained soil