By Kelly Keene

I’ve seen a moose up close

on a river in Colorado.

I’ve felt the impact

of a student driver crashing into me.

I’ve eaten pineapple guavas

and ceviche and pathé.

I’ve heard the sound of 43,000

voices singing backup to Béyonce’s lead vocals.

And I’ve closed my ears to the sound

of cats chattering in the aftermath of

murdered birds.

I love rainbows

the sandals and the multicolored sky magic.

I love the sound of the Pacific Ocean

crashing into imperfect shores.

I love reading.

I love writing.

I love fresh air and fresh fruit.

I hate rude people,

and ticking clocks that never let up.

I hate comparisons,

and toxic insecurity.

Sometimes, I hate myself.

But I hate dwelling on

intrusive  untrue thoughts even more.

I’ve been scared of loosing

my job.

I’ve witnessed the dangers

of ignorance.

And I know I have

more stories to tell.