I am paint.
But,
I still have shadows
That lurk behind me
Like a fly that won’t
Let.
Me.
Be.

I am real.
Like a puzzle.
But, time melts away unknown looks and
Empty room.

I hear the deep
And the silky sound of song
Spilling out of the box
In the room
With cheer.
That room will never be
Ever again.

Gone but,
Not forgotten.

I feel strong like the ocean
But,
Strong waves crash down.
Try to stay up.
Stay strong for as long as possible
But it swallows you whole
let
It
all
go.

I feel like liquid
Try to hold me back and I slip free.

The beach that I am wondering is rockbound and ragged
Lonely and dead.
I am at peace though I have shattered
Glue yourself with the help of others
But,
Some shards don’t

Ever.

Fit.

Back.

My vase of life
Is cracked.

Remember,
Sour fades.
Light shines through.
Don’t dwell.

Be free and loose like the wind.
Some things are gone,
But,
Never forgotten.

Stand in a field and feel
All of the real feelings that surround you.
I am real, and

I.

Love

It.

Originally published in KidSpirit Online for the Fulfillment issue.

When she wrote this piece, Lola Stoffels-Sack was 12 years old. She is from Seattle, Washington.