Things aren’t always going to be easy.
When you are in the sixth grade you will
jump out of your window to escape the beating on the door.
You will walk with no shoes down the road late at night.
You’ll be okay, don’t be scared.
When you turn 15 you’ll meet him.
And two months later you will give him everything.
It’s not beautiful.
Don’t fool yourself.
Look, you are going to pack up and move away
but you won’t be happy when you get there.
Call your mom and tell her you love her.
(and don’t sign that second lease)
Don’t marry him. He’s not the one.
Listen to your heart when you make the guest list
and forget to include yourself.
That sick feeling won’t be nerves.
Run, I know you want to.
Baby girl, you are beautiful.
Don’t spend those years pushing down on your hipbones.
Be gentle to your body.
When you are 19, you’ll fall in love with yourself.
I promise.
Please listen to me.
When he says he doesn’t know why he loves you, just walk away.
That boy only loves the way your body curves around his.
Don’t stop writing.
One day you will get the courage to share your words.
You’ll regret ripping the pages and burning your journal of five years.
(don’t listen when he says your words are pathetic)
And I know you won’t understand this but
the guy who drives the jeep, he’ll kiss you on the beach.
Please tell him not to give up,
you might just save a life.