the year of letting go

the year of letting go

of understanding loss, 
       grace of the word ‘no’

and also being able to say 
      ‘you are not kind’

the year of humanity/humility

when the whole world couldn’t get out of bed

everyone i’ve met this year says the same thing

‘you are so easy to be around, 
        how do you do that?’

the year i broke open and dug out all the rot with own hands

the year i learnt small talk

and how to smile at strangers

the year i understood 
         that i am my best when i reach out 
and ask ‘do you want to be my friend?’

the year of sugar, everywhere

softness. sweetness. honey honey.

the year of being alone

and learning how much i like it

the year of hugging people i don’t know 
                  because i want to know them

the year i made peace and love

right here

~  Warsan Shire