how to bloom in winter

it's okay if you keep your ears shut

when you're six

while giants try to teach you the alphabet-

you can learn how to spell "czechoslovakia" and still not comprehend your lover

when they say they're leaving-

melancholy is a language all its own

and you will cry as you go

but learn as you grow

in first grade,

focus on counting your blessings

instead of your tens-

although harder to memorize,

they're far more important to remember

know your beginnings and endings-

do not let sundays take your soul

if you need help-

ask-

do not dig your own grave

when you're only thirteen

purely because you've only ever known

how to shovel

there is at least one person

willing to get their hands dirty

in order to water your withering spirit

discover cause and effect

as early on as you can

so when your mother yells

you will be able to take care of your wounds

before they begin to bleed

do not be an open book-

not everyone deserves to read your story

some people will only stay for the climax

little do they know

no mountain peaks at sixteen

familiarize yourself with hot glue and duct tape at an early age

learn how to fix the broken

so mending your heart will be a breeze

most importantly,

don't follow in my footsteps

unless you're looking to get lost