get there before sundown.
feed yourself
only with what nurtures.
let the process of shedding
be joyous in its eternity.
create and call it creation.
tell lashing out that
it isn’t worthy of your song.
beat the drum
instead of yourself.
beat the drum when hands
want to become fists.
beat the drum to get
beneath the surface.
jump off the bed.
welcome waves in the tub.
cook as if dancing.
be a metaphor
when literal is too much.
cry into your journal
as if it is rising’s way.
praise into your journal
like you ain’t apologizing
to no one for shine.
claim into your journal,
for there’s no need
to die waiting.
be too vibrant for lingering
on those who neglect.
too awww
to keep treating yourself
so poorly.
be more than knowing.
in case you need encouragement,
I’mma share
that memory
you tucked away,
scared you’d be laughed at
trying for more than
drowning spectacularly.
that shows you beyond
the bad beats.
who you were before
that season you’ve forgotten.
to remind
that every victory counts
and that you’re
one step closer today.
From Well Played (Not a Cult, 2020) by Beau Sia. Copyright © 2020 by Beau Sia. Used with the permission of the publisher.