I am from the space between the library shelves in middle school.

I am from the pages of a Dr. Seuss biography,

hidden between biology books and mysteries in my elementary library.

I am from the wedding toast I wrote my brother at fourteen.

I was made from strawberries and bananas at my father’s breakfast table

and late nights of French toast.

I was born from milk and honey,

from beautiful poems and yellow rainboots.

I am learning how to be selfless without erasing

myself in the process,

and balancing my kindness with my backbone.

I am finding my voice written across glossy pages of the school magazine.

I am in love the prospects of tomorrow,

and the kind of hope that makes me still believe in magic.

I am infatuated with memories,

always appreciating those I've made

and constantly striving to to create more.

I am over the rainbow and in clouds,

and I promise to never come down.

“To be soft is to be powerful”   8:37 am

Kelli Volonte

August 22, 2016