Know

I know

The alphabet.

How to count to ten,

The seven continents,

The planets of the solar system,

And a little bit of Spanish.

I know what it feels like

To run through pouring rain;

Screaming, barefoot,

Laughing like a banshee

With my best friend in the street,

 Drinking in the sky,

Or to choke on my own sobs,

Stumbling blindly, burning in my throat,

Blue jeans soaked, looking like a drowned rat, alone.

I know the gentle touch of the sun’s rays

Peeking through purple clouds

 At dawn on Easter morning,

Watching sparks float above the fire like orange fireflies.

I know the excitement, anticipation

Of dropping my chains; freedom,

And the nervous butterflies

Pounding your stomach,

 Ants in your veins,

And the fear frozen in your heart,

 An icicle in your ribs,

Before you step out

 Into the spotlight.

I know the burning, adrenaline sparked,

Uncontrollable rage called anger,

And the squirmy blue feeling

 Of disappointment.

I know the blanket grey,

The strong, bruising fingers of apathy,

And barely controlled longing,

The unhappiness that is jealousy.
I know the burst of confidence,

The unsteady strength of facing your fears,

And the joy of conquering them.

I know the feeling of letting go,

Screaming out,

Exploding.