Lexicon

[Image source:  AI-generated with DALL·E] Some of the most remarkable experiences in life aren't necessarily 'fun'. They're deep as poetry, moving as the ocean waves and layered with intermixing emotions.  With this piece I wanted to highlight how joy shouldn't be compulsive, or how 'fun' isn't 'fun' if fun needs to be chased. ~~~ You must assemble near the Ferris wheel,  and we’ll play a game of deception We’ll sprint after ‘fun’ on broken glass, and catch only its reflection We must ride the Ferris wheel at sunset, and we’ll smile no matter how tired we’ve been We’ll smile for the strangers, the cameras, the aesthetic, we’ll smile because our ‘fun’ needs to be seen Dizzy as we may be, we’ll keep the wheel turning, unease building as we reach the top But if the social script demands we ride, What’s a little nausea to make us stop? We’ll ascend with rehearsed glee, screams buckled in for more Convinced the view will be different, though we’ve see...

[Image source:  AI-generated with DALL·E] They say time heals all wounds but some scars refuse to fade- especially the ones shaped like a best friend. I used to think our friendship was unbreakable until it unraveled entirely, thread by thread. What followed was no explosion, no confrontation, there were no flames- just ashes of what once was. Her number is deleted from my cell for months now but let's be honest- I had it memorized years ago. Despite our friendship or whatever of it that's left, she's the first person I dial when I receive the final letter. It is tucked between grocery bills and flyers. I would've almost missed it if I hadn't grown to fear letters lately. When she picks up I let out the words I have been holding in far too long. "I need help" I barely recognize my own voice. Scared, helpless. Her reply is prompt- almost too quick. "What's wrong?" Everything, says a voice in my head. Everything. At first, I mistook the final l...