Acceptance

Thiana Alexandre

You are left broken, but you refuse to believe that. It is so hard for me to make an appearance when you don’t think you need me. I am the light at the end of that dark tunnel. You can't quite see me, but I'm here by your side; and as you grow and change, we will get closer and closer.

It was the middle of winter when I first found you. You were alone, but you were constantly fighting with depression and anxiety. I felt for you, but I only arrive when you call on me.

You had yet to call on me.

I saw this coming, and all of me wished I could've said something. Your relationship with him was never healthy. You were blinded by love. I wish I could've prevented this, but that's not my job. It won't be easy, but I am here to help you move on, to help you find love within yourself, to help you find you.

For the longest time, you had the same routine. Wake up, two eggs on avocado toast, work, watch your favorite Christmas movie, sleep, REPEAT. Every day was the same. Everything in your life was always at a constant; you hated change.

I was the biggest change. I didn’t allow you to bathe in your sadness. My attempt was to teach you how to ride the waves. You rarely cried anymore, but you still had bad days.

That's okay.

Everyone falls. It wasn't noticeable, but I saw your progress. I felt your progress. You accepted that he was gone, but you still missed him on birthdays and holidays, which caused you to drown in your bad habits again and wash me away. You hate inconsistency.

I am not linear, and you hated how I came in and out of your life. I did what I could for you, but you weren't ready. I feel as though I failed you, but I can’t force something you don’t truly want. It makes me sad knowing that no matter what I do, the enemy will always be in your other ear trying to tear you down.

I will be here when you are ready.

Colophon

This year's literary magazine, Perspectives, was produced by Editors-in-Chief Eleni Bridges and Ailish Connell using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop CS6. Display text is in the font Franklin Gothic Demi Condensed and body text is in High Tower Text.

This magazine has been published digitally only and is available at no cost. Any physical copies have been printed by individuals.

Selection Policy

All Massaponax students were permitted to submit entries for consideration for publication. All work completed in Miss Marshall's Creative Writing I and II classes or displayed at the annual MHS Art Show were automatically considered for publication. Each piece was reviewed by the Perspectives staff and evaluated on its individual merit. Students may submit their work for next year's publication in-person to room 130 or through the MHS Publications email: mhs-publications@spotsylvania.k12.va.us.

The purpose of this magazine is to showcase students' thoughts and perspectives through both writing and art. As with any publication, the views expressed by the writers and artists are not necessarily the views of Massaponax High School, the editorial staff, adviser or Spotsylvania County Schools.