By Claire Burianek

Roses gifted by a lover,
kissing in the rain,
enemies turned lovers.
A ballerina’s mangled feet.
A happy ending,
sweets for children,
dressing up for date night.
Ribs protruding outward.
Vacations somewhere sunny,
days from long ago,
having someone to hold.
Excessive rest following excessive exertion.
Hiking a vast mountain,
ink across your skin,
living the dream life.
A real excuse to feel depressed.
A snack chosen at midnight,
alcohol with friends,
the freedom of growing up.
Painful perfection.
Living among nature,
or in tiny spaces,
flying to a new place.
Dissolving into nothing.
Snow blanketed lands,
secretive professions,
following trends.
Constant cold.
Bathing in sunlight,
sipping from a steaming mug,
steady rainfall watched from indoors.
A mottled complexion.
I cling to the impossible.