the top of my waving arms 

finally! band camp 

laughter, tears rolling 

down my cheeks. friends bring out the 

best in me always 

homecoming. eating 

popsicles, i am dancing 

with the sweetest boy 

imagination 

lighting up the field, music 

moves horns and shakes hearts

london! masterpiece 

city, wish i could walk its

cobbled streets again 

three sisters working 

on a shop. no more struggle.

promise rolls our way 

cloudy skies in the

eyes of frida. her paintbrush

paints my heritage 

prom night adventure.

finger guns, crown braids, flowers. 

otis redding love. 

testing. neurons blink

quickly. scribbled graphite and

small, chewed erasers 

a countdown begins 

the exit is near, so close. 

a new life calls me.

so much happening. 

time flies fast. i am not the 

same ash as before

i am a phoenix

that rose with triumph. a fire 

for change burns within 

goodbye high school. 

i won't miss you, but i will 

keep the memories