Dear Magnolia

This is something I wrote for a class last quarter. We had to write a letter to our past self. It seems fitting at this time in my life. 

Dear Magnolia,

I know you want me to tell you what life becomes

To tell you all the parts to avoid 

The sticky sharp parts 

The parts that you think will ruin you

I wish I could take them all away

The nights you had to flip your dampened pillow

The loneliness you despised

The separation you felt 

I can't tell you what to do

I won't tell you where to turn

I understand how lost you will feel

I know the hopelessness in your spirit

I do promise you that one day you grow up

You learn things slowly 

Mistakes will always a part of your life

But they will not define you

You will find love that sucks

 all the air out of your lungs

You will find loss that does that and more

People will cherish you

Others won't

One day people will tell you how different you are

They will show you facts and remedies

Your disease is nothing like they say

You will find the courage in yourself and not a pill

Be strong, Magnolia

Strong like your mother always told you to be

You are more like her than you wish to believe

One day you will find strength there

I will not tell you, Magnolia what life will give

You will find your peace

You will learn from what you do

Every mistake will bring you here

You may find it cruel

You may become even more apathetic

So go ahead, take that shot

Get that tattoo, kiss that boy

I do not take it all back for you

I give it to you freely

You will find your spirit

You will find your words