The Beautifully Mysterious Sky

Lana Chevere

I was raised by a grumpy man who disliked anything, and a loving woman who helped me learn my ABC’s, who brushed my hair everyday and taught me to be nice and respectful. From the swan and lake of my Florida elementary school and the kids who welcomed my scared, sad self on my first day of school. I was raised by family get-togethers. The arguments and solutions. From disliking one another to being as close as they were two days before. I was raised by flowing through songs and learning some steps. By feeling the music and moving in tune. By making mistakes in order to get things right. From Rihanna to Shenseea and Corpses, a song for every emotion, every occasion. I was raised by the beautifully mysterious sky. From the moon lighting the dark paths helping you find your way to the thousands of stars to wish on. Thousands of opportunities, thousands of encouraging, “You’ve got this.” From the peaceful night sky that listens to your every problem and helps you come up with solutions in the never judging silence. I was raised by Divergent and Chasing Red. From discovering who you are and not being afraid to show it. To fighting to keep what you want through the struggles. From reading book after book, story after story, living through others lives and feeling their pain. To being able to freely write about what I’m feeling to express my happiness, my pain, and confusion.