empty the water- Khadijah Rashid

everything is inside me

it’s only heavy because

i hold it at the ready

ready to pick up and run

but if i follow the wind

that blew me to you in may

if i could stay with you

even for only a day

i could sit at rest

and i could be at peace

let my shoulders drop

and not grit my teeth

dig my feet into the sand

that blew through the air

whatever i’d forget

i know we’d just share

if i could empty the water

sitting ready within me

and at its own pace

let it blend into the sea

make me light enough

to get on my back and float

forget what it’s like

to wear a winter coat

no more shield required

sun touching my face

live in just that present

person, time, and place

i’d honor that one day

none other can come close

to when i told you what i didn’t

know i needed to most

no matter the weight

i’ll follow that warm breeze

there’s no doors on the beach

so i will need no keys

(i just need my sister

and a hug, please.

i just need one of those

chocolate chip sugar cookies.)