An Open Letter To My Best Friend

You know I can never help but roll my eyes at melodramatic professions, but in all honestly, they're a little lacking these days, and in any case, no hastily typed Facebook post could ever do this justice.

I'm so glad you're a part of my life. I'm so glad there is at least one person in the world with whom I can be completely unafraid to express myself. Thank you for sharing my passions, supporting my aspirations, and being such a huge part of my story.

We both know that the roller coaster of life doesn't always bring us skyward, but like you have always been there to see me through my falls, I am always going to be here to remind you of the following:

You are brilliant.

You are capable.

You will find success.

I am so proud of everything you do. and I am so immeasurably honoured to call you my best friend.

Siren

Some creatures' blood runs cold inside
But only where they can't be spied
For frozen hearts choose to reside
Where they cannot be shattered

For coolness is a villain's pride
But also wherein deep fears hide
Yet romance is an awful guide
So I can't be bothered

My lack of envy is implied
When lovers feel unsatisfied
With being all but starry-eyed
So much they'd not discovered

For I was once a blushing bride
Whose sacred knot became untied
By one who promised then who lied
And never quite recovered

Where cliff and icy sea collide
I gave my last breath to the tide
And with my heart my love has died
So I remain cold-blooded

Finding Love

I have to admit, it's been a hard few months.

Recently, things have been feeling off. Something was eating at me from the inside, and I had no idea what it was, other than the fact that this feeling was just so... wrong.

The girl I was for this past while was someone undeniably familiar, but considerably unsettling. The girl was distant, looking at the world with a kind of yearning as if she wanted to speak but was willing herself not to. She walked on glass, and got cuts on her feet because of it. She would huddle in corners and try to convince herself to get back up and keep walking, despite the tears pooling in her eyes.

And then I realized, the girl was scared.

This was the girl who had been bullied as a child. She was the girl who struggled to maintain a calm composure and genuine smile to the world but crumbled into broken pieces as soon as she was alone because she just couldn't figure out why she was treated that way. She was the girl who let fear worm its way into her fragile heart because she had no idea how to keep it out.

This was the girl who could never love herself because she was consumed by fear.

For the past few months, the fear fed off her insecurities and got stronger. It controlled her every move, laughed at her hesitations, and reveled in her failures. It pushed her into a labyrinth of darkness and she got more and more lost with every deceptively wrong turn. And then, the most miraculous thing happened.

The girl found hope.

She found hope in a douse of late-night honesty, a lighthouse that revealed the thorn-covered walls of the labyrinth, growing thicker and sharper ahead of her. She came to a realization so sudden that the maleficent fear was shocked into momentary silence by the impact. The glimmer of hope coaxed her out of the shadows, step by tentative step. And then, the most miraculous thing happened.

The girl found love.

She found love in the midst of glitter and sharpies, where tiny flames and friendly smiles began to melt the tyrannous presence in her chest. She felt admired and supported in a way that was never there before, and it was beautiful.

She found love on a wintry adventure, surrounded by stories and laughter. She was shown a place that inspired her to give all she has to offer, and be lifted up by the perseverance all around her. She felt motivated and refreshed in a way that she hadn't for so long, and it was incredible.

.
.
.

The girl lit a candle, and watched as the little flame blossomed, lapping eagerly at the air and scattering silver and gold flecks across the room. She smiled, and for the first time in a long time, it was a genuine smile made with hope, beauty, inspiration, and love.

The Problem With Chocolate

The more I stare at the beautifully wrapped box of Godiva goodness in front of me, the more I feel compelled to write this piece. There are a lot of things going through my mind right now, and to put it simply, I'm shocked. I never thought there'd come a time when I'd have a serious problem with free chocolate.

We've all heard it before: if it's your coworker's birthday, buy her chocolate. If you need a last minute mother's day gift, head to the chocolate aisle. If your girlfriend starts screaming at you for no apparent reason, seriously consider keeping a stash of chocolate around at all times. (Maybe also consider seeing a relationship counsellor.) But the point is, the gift of chocolate is a great one, for no matter what event or which female recipient. But is it really?

I'd like to take a moment to scowl at society. Who thought it was a good idea to standardize the giving of chocolate to women on every occasion and then shine a searing spotlight on physical appearance?

And so begins the conundrum: a kind-hearted soul gives a woman a box of chocolate. What does she do with it? She has several options.
Option 1: she eats the chocolate, but then feels guilty for indulging and becomes increasingly self-conscious about her body.
Option 2: she puts the chocolates on a shelf and they sit there, prettily collecting dust until they expire. She feels bad for letting them go to waste.
Option 3: she gives them away to the next girl when the next appropriate occasion rolls around (she doesn't have to wait very long). Again, she feels bad for not appreciating the gift. She's also just pushing her troubles to the people around her, and that's not going to solve anything.

At this point, you, being the keen observer that you are, note that none of the aforementioned scenarios end in a completely satisfying manner. The solution to the chocolate problem, in my opinion, comes not from the poor recipient of the chocolate, but from the kind giver. In no way do I wish to deter these generous people from expressing themselves through gifts, don't get me wrong, but there are endless things in the world to offer! There are practical, unique, and meaningful things, from home decor to office supplies to electronic gadgets to daily accessories. So please, challenge yourselves. If it's your coworker's birthday, buy her some of that really neat yarn because you know she loves to knit. If you need a last minute mother's day gift, look into the newest novel by her favourite author. If your girlfriend starts screaming at you for no apparent reason, give her a handwritten letter or a teddy bear to hold. (Still keep your relationship counsellor's number around, just in case.)

So please, think twice before you beeline to the chocolates section next time you have to pick out a gift. Anything remotely personalized is better than the generic, and who knows, you might save her a lot more hassle than you think.

Milestones: Summer 2014 Letter Series

A.M. You have been nothing but wonderful since the day I met you. You are funny, sassy, and so, so supportive. Thank you for teaching me so much this past year --I learned so much more than I expected to-- and thank you for always being around when I needed you. I know there's some things this year that haven't worked out the way you wanted them to, but don't lose faith in yourself. A huge part of me wants to see you go on your great adventure, but there's a part that can't help but hope you'll stick around for a little while longer. Either way, I hope you catch the stars you've been shooting for.

B.W. You had me at 'hello'. By the first time you smiled and said 'hi', I was intrigued.You are one of the kindest and sweetest people I've met in a while. I've always felt like just another face in the crowd, but you've taught me that perhaps reaching out to people can be as easy as a smile and the word 'hi'. I guess I have a lot to learn from your easy-going, charismatic personality. I'd really like to get to know you better. Keep smiling :)

C.L. You are such an inspiration to me. You have such a bright and open attitude; it makes you so easy to talk to. Whenever I'm around you I feel so much more motivated to keep myself healthier and happier. I love that you have an absolute vision for your personal and professional future -- and the work ethic to back it up. I'm really glad I got a chance to know you this year, but I can't believe you're leaving already! I'd love to stay in touch and get together again sometime.

C.K. I love the way you present yourself; you're so mature and soft spoken. Everything you say and do makes so much sense. You have a calm levelheadedness about you, yet you're not at all cold or unapproachable. In a place where a lot of people seem to come from relatively similar backgrounds, you quietly yet poignantly remind me that everyone has their own unique story, and this is what sets us apart from each other. Although I don't know much about your past, I know that it's made you thoughtful and cautious, and this may not be such a bad thing. Through your example, I hope I may always remember to keep an open mind and be reminded that few words are often more powerful than many. I hope you continue to face every challenge with a brave heart and a steady mind.

N.L. You are the ultimate role model. You are dedicated as a student, elegant as a lady, caring as a sister. Beyond that, you are talented, kind, and ambitious. You're the kind of girl who looks beautiful in a spotlight, but always directs it humbly towards others. I admire that you have chosen to pursue what you believe suits you best, despite the objections of others. I admire that you take risks for your happiness and success, because I know you can make it all worth it. But while chasing your big dreams, you always seem to find time to pursue your passions and appreciate the little things in life. Your life is a palette of the richest colours; I hope continue to paint with every single one of them.

R.S. I'm so glad I met you on that trip. You make every possible thing more fun. I can always count on you to cheer me up and share a laugh, and I really appreciate that. I love that you're up for anything, and you're not afraid to put yourself out there, especially for your friends. But despite all the craziness, you always know when to set it all aside and take responsibility. It's a hard balance to strike sometimes, but you do it admirably well. I hope your lively spirit never fades. Thank you for all the adventures; here's to many more.

Stop.

Stop the breathing.
Stop the blood flow.
Stop the heartbeat.

Stop the tears.
Stop the emotion.
Stop.

Stop the fears, the thoughts, the voices, the echos, the sounds, thedarknesstheunknowntheflashbackstheemptinesstheabyssthescreamsthecries-

Stop.

Borrowed Words: I Hope This Only Happens In My Nightmares

I said,
"I'm lost without you
And I can't breathe without you
And I can't love without you
But I'm leaving you now"

You've been talking in your sleep
Things you never say to me...
You used to lie so close to me
Now there's nothing more than empty sheets
Between our love

Is it time to let you go?

If this was a movie, 
I'd say

"Turn around, come back, so I don't dream without you"
And I promise I will make you want to stay

But I don't know
How to be something you'd miss
I'm lost 'cause you're the only thing I know

It hurts to let you go.

I can already see you
Sleeping next to a new lover
Sharing your dreams with another
And all I can think is 
You won't find this
But I don't know how to be something you'd miss

If we fall apart

Please remember me at my best

Because the best part of me was always you

And you can keep my heart
It's more at home in your hand
Than in my chest

I don't know
How to be something you'd miss
Because I never thought we'd have a last kiss
Your name, forever the name on my lips

That last kiss I'll cherish

Until we meet again

I'll keep you in my memory;

I hope you think of me.

The Bottom Line

*lights up*

"If you're so perfectly capable, why don't you do it all yourself? You don't even need me at all!"

    "I never said anything of the sort! You're jumping to conclusions based on your own rash assumptions."

"There you go again with your oh-so-logical, high and mighty brain. I was just trying to help you! Why are you getting all worked up about this?

"I didn't ask for your help! I left that there for a reason, and you shouldn't go around touching my stuff."

"And how was I supposed to know that? Can you not see anything from my perspective?"

"Well it's not like you're making it particularly easy for me! As if my life wasn't difficult enough as is."

"Oh, I make your life difficult? I'm so sick of this."

"Yeah, then why don't you go ahead and break up with me?"

"NO!"

(pause)

"No?"

"No... not like this. I refuse to lose us over something like this. I promised myself that I would always fight for us, because..."

"I love you."

"And I love you."

*blackout*

Energy

Here's a story, once again
Of a girl too grand for the life she lived

She was a butterfly

A Southern Belle, as they said

But the mundane life in her speck of a town

Sanded her smile down to the grains of dust

That rested for centuries on dry ground

Exhausted by the familiarity

She spent her days staring past the safety

Of the bars of her gilded cage

She wasn't a dreamer
She believed in what she could touch

But she fell in love

With the patch of sky just beyond the horizon

No one seemed to understand 

Eighteen was no different than seventeen

Or sixteen for that fact

She wondered how long she would remain unchanged

If she could freeze time, an ironic notion, really

The only thing she would do 

Is run as far as she possibly could with outstretched arms

Simply to feel the grass underneath her feet

And the wind in her hair
She longs for the rain
To wipe away her tears and wash away the exhaustion
To work its magic on the Earth
So that she, too, could feel alive again 

Because anything that moves is better than nothing at all

Borrowed Words: Can We Keep the Ever After?

Take me back to the summer days...

This night's a perfect shade of dark blue
I don't know why I’m drawn to you
Could you be the other one so we’d equal two?
Light my heart up, baby, like a matchstick
And hit the gas quick
When our fingers interlock
[Sing] along to the start of forever
I'm ready to run, if you are

I don't want to be a bride
But you're the only reason that I wanna see the stars tonight
And only you keep me dreaming
We'll stay young and go dancing
We're a duchess and a prince
This feels like falling in love

Every time we kiss, I reach for the sky
laugh[ing] all night lying in the grass just talking about love

Trying to skip rocks on the ocean

Don't you dream impossible things?

I'm thinking two is better than one
But I don't want to be a bride

I just wanna be your girl, and spend this life with you
Don't count the miles; count the I-love-yous
Let them wonder how we got this far
Cause I don't need to wonder anymore
Can we keep the ever after, love?

I'll be your sunset

If you'll be my silhouette

I'm ready to run, if you are

If my heart was a compass, you'd be north

I don't want to be a bride
But forever is a long time
And I've realized, I wouldn't mind spending it by your side
You're the best thing I never knew I needed

Heaven is a place on Earth with you

They say that the world was built for two

Only worth living if somebody is loving you

If my heart was a house

You'd be home

The pen's in [our] hand[s] 

Ending unplanned 

In the end I want to be standing

At the beginning with you

(from: Breanne Düren, Jack's Mannequin, JRA, Bridgit Mendler, Paramore, Alyssa Reid, Vanessa Carlton, Adelaie, Diego Boneta, Death Cab for Cutie, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Cascada, Jessica Simpson, Boys Like Girls, Chrisina Perri, A Rocket to the Moon, Ne-Yo, Owl City, Lana Del Rey, He Is We, Natasha Bedingfield, Richard Marx & Donna Lewis)

Conversation Hearts

I sit beside a cup of hot tea 

Watching the clouds sift icing sugar

Over the city landscape turned Candyland-scape

With a bag of conversation hearts

The calendar turns a page

And suddenly everyone has a sweet tooth

I breathe in a tendril of spicy vanilla chai steam

And open the bag of conversation hearts

I pinch the corner and tug upwards
And watch the pastel coloured confectioneries
Spill eagerly over my tabletop

Sweet, giggling conversation hearts

I smile back at them, remembering
Sparkling eyes and knowing smiles
Sleepovers and fantasy worlds and us
All thanks to conversation hearts

The sweetest hearts I've ever known
Taught me that love comes in all colours
Equally sweet and sincere
Like conversation hearts

So this is for you, my angels
I wish only the best for you
And I hope together forever is true
Because I miss your conversation hearts

And of course my thoughts
Would not be complete without you
The mere mention of your name brings to life
A thousand conversation hearts

Like the draft outside my window
Sends snowflakes flurrying into the minty winter air
You have the the same effect on the
Heartbeats of conversation hearts

As they flutter back down to reality
I line them up in chronological order
Your words diffuse through my chest
And bond like the text on conversation hearts

My fingertips graze the candied crossroads
And bring your words to life
I realize the journey is worth far more
Than individual conversation hearts

And as the afternoon fades to evening
I find the answers to all my questions
Mapped out on my tabletop
In the simplicity of conversation hearts

I push back my chair just in time to see
A pair of shooting stars streak through the sky
Leaving a trail of pixels behind
A dotted line of conversation hearts

Letters

1.  Go outside; be outstanding.

     I don't even know how we did it. What exactly was it that made both of us know from the second we met that we would share such a degree of friendship? None of this would ever have happened under any other circumstances, but somewhere, somehow, we managed to strike a bond- one of unprejudiced, unwavering, undying trust. It is this trust that means the world to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for being there for me when I needed it most.

     Distance has always been an interesting concept for us, one that really doesn't matter. I think it's because we both know that no matter how far apart we are and despite our differences, there's something about each other that will always spark the understanding. So wherever in the world you are, whatever life you're striving for, I hope you have found success beyond the standards of society; that you have made yourself a niche where you are truly comfortable without having succumbed to "normalcy". I hope that, despite the image of that tough exterior you paint on yourself, you let people know you far deeper, where your heart truly lies.

      P.S. As cliché as this may sound, I hope you find the girl of your dreams; you deserve her, and believe me when I say this: she deserves you.

2. I hope you feel satisfied.
    You are brilliant. You are intense, driven, and goal-oriented. But I hope that every once in a while, you step back to look at the life you've created for yourself. And I hope it brings a smile to your face. I love that smile. I hope that in these quiet, reflective moments, you come to realize what a masterpiece this is. Be proud of yourself- of the mountains you've climbed and the distance you've come. You've changed so much, yet not at all. You told me once that after such a long time, you felt alive. I think that's incredible and exhilarating, to know that you can push yourself to  your breaking point, but come back stronger than ever. It's the type of strength that everyone dreams to have , but for most, it remains that way - a dream. But you bring it to reality - not only for yourself, but for me as well. Thank you for making me believe in myself when it seemed like the last thing I could do. Thanks for the tough love; for telling me to keep fighting, and giving me the courage to do so. I honestly don't know where I'd be without it. You have fought so hard to get to where you are today. I hope you find your work rewarding, because I know, in the end, that's what means the most to you.
    P.S. Start doing things for no other reason than passion. Not everything you do has to serve a direct purpose.


3. Never stop chasing your dreams.
     Hell -or somewhere awfully close to it- is a place to which we've both been... But more importantly, it's a place from which we've both returned. If I haven't told you this already, I'll tell you now: I am so proud of you for being where you are now. Yes, you're dramatic, but I believe that you believe in yourself. However reckless, your confidence is what makes you who you are. I love how you balance being careful and carefree. We both know how much people judge you for your flaws, but I admire your ability to stand firmly for what you believe in and not let the opinions of others sway your mind. (Why should they? Your opinions don't need to rely on those of others.)
     You remind me of the Jazz Age: You are full of bright smiles and big dreams, and I really do hope you chase after them. You're one of the few people I know who truly believe in romance and know how to follow their heart. Let go of your insecurities; be proud of yourself, and keep challenging yourself. You've made it so far, you've accomplished so much, and I am so, so happy for you.
     P.S. You two are the best.


4. You're a jerk; the best one I've met.
    You really are a jerk. But your intelligence, sense of humour, and hilariously strange personality are unparalleled. I think what makes you so awesome is the fact that you've managed to step confidently out of whatever stereotype society had cut out for you. You turned out to be nearly the exact opposite of what I thought you would be. So the wisdom of clichés is right sometimes; never judge a book by its cover. I'm glad I didn't judge you based on what I heard about you. I would have been missing out on an awesome friend and some fantastic memories.
   I trust that you're having a fantastic time challenging yourself right now. I hope you get a lot out of it, because I know you're bound for greatness. I'm proud of you for really putting yourself out there lately and expanding your comfort zone. You seem a lot happier where you are, and that's awesome. I didn't think you'd settle in better than the rest of us combined, but then again, you never fail to surprise me. Keep pushing those limits. You rock.


5. Find strength in every day.
    You're probably one of the strongest individuals I've ever known, so writing that opening line really shocked me. You're independent and brave, yet you know when decisions are rash. Your advice is wise and soothing, no matter what the situation. One of the best things about you is that you remind me that beauty lies so much deeper than the skin. Your heart is probably one of the most generous ones I know. Even in the hardest of times, you never hesitate to help others, and this selflessness is what I admire most about you. Thank you for opening up to me. It takes a lot to lay your weaknesses in front of someone and ask them for help, knowing your heart is fully exposed. I'm touched that I have your trust; I value it greatly. And never forget this: I'm here for you.
      P.S. Play up your talents; you have so many of them.


6. You're fearless, as always.
     It's been way too long. I never thought I'd see you again (not that we see much of each other now). But I'm glad you're here. It's awesome that of all places to be, you chose to come here. I know how much you loved where you were; you told me yourself, so long ago you probably don't even remember. Maybe a little change is good. I hope the city's treating you well, and that it turns out to be all that you want it to be. Honestly, I never thought the big city scene suited you that well anyway.
      Nonetheless, thanks for sticking around. The company you keep is one of the best, or to me at least. You remind me what it is to imagine and to dream, but at the same time you keep me grounded. How do you do that? I don't think I'll ever figure it out. But that's fine by me. The bottom line is, I love talking to you and I appreciate that you're always there for me. Thanks for keeping it real.
      P.S. Open yourself up to people! Seriously, your personality is fantastic and it's about time you let people see that.


7. I owe you all my gratitude.
    Hey. It's been a while since we last talked. It'll probably be a while until we talk again, if we ever do. But if I can say one last thing to you, it's this: I don't regret you. I never did, and I never will. I'm sorry if I hurt you. We were perfect the way we were, but I'm glad it didn't work out. I didn't expect it to. But it certainly was not time gone to waste. I learned a lot in those short months, all because of you. You were the definition of that summer and of a transition zone, and I'm glad we were there to see each other through it. You helped me end one chapter of my life with happiness and fond memories, and I found myself looking forward to the next. In this subsequent chapter, you gave me the self-confidence to pursue my goals. You taught me to take risks, open up, and enjoy life by the day. In the end, you taught me to let go, and to forgive. For all this I cannot thank you enough.
    I hope you've had a fresh start, and I trust that you're a lot happier now than you were back then. You're a great person, and I know you'll find someone who appreciates you to the fullest.


8. You define the word awesome.
     I've never laughed as hard with anyone as I do with you. We were best friends from day one, and I'm so happy we've managed to keep it this way, even after all these years. Some things just never die. Our friendship needs no context or situation; it just happens, and that's the best way it can happen. I love our spontaneity. No one understands the awesomeness of randomness as much as we do. I can't explain it to anyone, but I don't even have to explain anything with you. I love the way we go with the flow and have the greatest adventures along the way. We make mistakes, but we laugh it off and they become memories. Things with you are just so much fun. Let's promise to visit each other often and never lose our childhood selves.


9. It's an interesting change for me.
    I'm really glad we got to renew our friendship. And I'm glad we're better friends than we were back then. I never thought we'd ever be like this; we were always just so polite and distant, like all we had to do was fulfill the duty of smiling sweetly to one another and that was the extent of our friendship. I'm glad that's changed.
    You probably have no idea, but I am so jealous of you sometimes. I don't think I've ever felt so jealous of anyone before; it shocked me. I don't think I would- or could, for that matter- ever be the type of person you are, but there's something about your proximity to perfection that... irks me. Please don't take it as a bad thing; it's merely a piece of honesty about something that piques my interest.
Despite what I felt was a rocky start, things turned out to be a lot better than I thought they would. In the end, it's comforting to have someone to talk to, who's been in the exact same situations and who's doing the exact same things. I like having you around. Talking to you is so easy, and I hope you feel the same way.

10. I hope you're still grinning like you did back then.
      You reminded me what true friendship felt like, after the definition had been lost on me over the course of many years. You opened up a door for me that I didn't even know existed. But it was incredible, and I loved it. What you and the others (but especially you) showed me in that one year, I didn't even know I needed so badly. That year was amazing. I'm not sure if I'd have wanted to stay if given the choice though. I'm glad things turned out the way it did. I'd love to go back though. Maybe I'll see you again.
     Thanks for catching up with me. We've covered such a huge time gap in so little time, but I've realized that this is probably one of the most amazing things in life, losing touch with someone but getting to know them again years later. It's inspiring to see that you've been through all the same ups and downs as everyone else, yet you've picked yourself up and you're shining brighter than ever. Keep smiling. Your smile is so encouraging and so infectious. Whatever it is you're doing, keep doing it. You're friendly and popular, yet down to earth and so much fun. I know you'll do so many great things in life and live each day to the fullest. You seem happy, and quite simply, that makes me happy.

Moonshine

Moonshine
A beautiful reflection on the lake
The distance between us will always be
From the earth to its faithful satellite
Untouchable ray of light

You offer me your hand
But I dance a lonely duet
You illuminate my heart
As you shine through my chest

Your delicate touch brushes my cheek
Fresh tears spring to my eyes
Wishing you were mine

My tears, they break apart your surface
But like the downpour of a hurricane
You embrace the rain
And as they touch your lips
They disappear

How I wish I could hold you
Gently cradle you in my hands
And keep you safe from your monsters
As you kept me safe from mine

We could dance forever
Get lost in this dream
And be a girl, insecure and flawed
Made perfect by the glow of nightfall
Moonshine

Shackles

Lock me up and walk around
The world turns so slowly
My eyes look and my mouth makes sounds
But somehow, it's not me

We think we live just how we want
And we do it all so freely
But society's pulled its ropes so taut
Its heavy shackles trap me

Are we guarded by the world
By these prison bars
Or do we guard ourselves?

Are we guarded by the world
By these prison bars
Or do we guard ourselves?

My heart longs to be freed
From these shackles and these chains
Please tell me you have the key
Unlock me from my pain
Loosen the shackles to my soul
Loosen the shackles to my soul

I dodge bullets every day
Dodging judgments
Bounce off me, ricochet
I don't care what they said

I'm so tired of feeling gray
So empty, monotone
Don't wanna act a certain way
I want a life that I can own

Are we guarded by the world
By these prison bars
Or do we guard ourselves?

Are we guarded by the world
By these prison bars
Or do we guard ourselves?

My heart longs to be freed
From these shackles and these chains
Please tell me you have the key
Unlock me from my pain
Loosen the shackles to my soul
Loosen the shackles to my soul

It's been seconds since we met
And you hardly even knew me
But as soon as the words fell from your lips
These walls crumbled around me

We spoke with our hearts
Let our dreams fill our minds
We found the deepest trust
We could ever hope to find

I was guarded by the world
By these prison bars
And I let them guard me

I was guarded by the world
By these prison bars
And I let them guard me

But now my heart is finally free
From these shackles and these chains
You truly had the key
You unlocked me from my pain
You loosened the shackles to my soul
You loosened the shackles to my soul

Grade Twelve Chemistry: A Collection of Quotations by Mr. K. Zuber (Feat. Felipe V-H.)

"Science isn't a noun; it's more of a verb. Well, I know it's a noun..."

"I don't talk to people. If you talk on the phone for more than five minutes, it's a visit."

(In reference to late tickets) "Everyone perceives them as evil. They're not evil!"

"We've overridden evolution so much that even the weakest of us survive. We should really let nature do its own business."

"I feel for you, I just don't care."

"Perspective."

"If mosquitoes fart, would you care?"

"It's like tying to chop down a tree with a spoon... keep trying :)"

"Stealing is generosity... the worst kind... 'negative generosity'"

(In reference to the popular perfume 'diffusing' around a room analogy) "That's not an example of diffusion. That's an example of hogwash."

"I can die a little happier now that I know sugar doesn't melt."

"Once you fill that doughnut, it becomes magically stable."

"Challenge accepted."

"Is it neon? NOOOOO it's not neon."

"What's the probability of you yawning at night and swallowing a firefly? It's possible!"

"Yeah, I was gonna give back those tests today... screw you."

"That's just stupidly ridiculous"

"If I just sat here, you would just sit there. Equilibriate~"

"Respect the Little People!"

"[Justin Bieber] has a car. I have a car too, but I don't suck."

"If you're in distilled water and someone drops a TV in it, you wouldn't die. Unless you sweat. Then you'd die."

Felipe quote (inspired by Mr. Zuber): "One does not simply pee in a river."

No Man's Land

I walk,
Slowly,
Upon a delicate line,
Drawn halfheartedly
Along a grey ashen landscape.

I have long since given up
On trying to avoid the bodies.
I am always asked
Why I do not simply step off the line
And hide my innocent eyes from the horror at my feet.
I always answer,
"Which way would I step?"
There's a red flag to my left
And a blue one to my right
And I can go to neither.

Some days
I convince myself
That I would rather be walking
Alone
Down my line
Than pledging allegiance to one side
And taking up arms in its defense.
For I know what happens
To the soldiers who fight
In battles like these.
They are but memories now;
Small casualties in such a large war.
Soldiers sacrificed like pawns,
Each with the hope of being part of a greater victory,
But as they fall they become insignificant
Little spots of pain that each coloured flag will try to forget.

I will never forget.
I will never forget the bodies,
The blood that stands for
Betrayal... conspiracy... infidelity... history.
Not sure where it starts;
Cannot yet see the end.

This is the place
Where revenge
Drifts across my tongue,
Its promised sweetness
Somehow made sharp and bitter and stale,
Perhaps by the gunpowder that fills the air
As I walk along the line
Drawn across No Man's Land.

Borrowed Words: Another Love Song

The flashback starts, I'm standing there

My daddy broke his own heart;
My momma swore that she would never let herself forget.

I remember thinking...
Don't you think I was too young to be played by your dark, twisted games?

That was the day that I promised,
I'd never sing of love if it does not exist

I told myself,
"Keep your feet on the ground,
When your head's in the clouds"

Because I'm tired of castles in the air

Save me,
From all the trouble and the pain...
I need a second chance

I always got by on my own

I swore I was fine

[Kept] a straight face

... Until I met you

Shifting eyes and vacancy
Vanished when I saw your face

You put your arms around me
And I believed
That it's easier for you to let me go

But you [learned] my secrets and you [figured] out why I'm guarded
You say we'll never make my parents' mistakes

And in that instant,
I [knew] you [were] worth it
You're worth it

You put your arms around me

Now your name, forever the name on my lips

And I'm on my way to believing

So bring on the rain
And listen to the thunder

It's a Twisted World

What kind of world is this?
You don't get to put this one on me.
YOU got yourself into this mess.
Didn't you learn a thing as a child?
Shouldn't you know by now that lying will get you in trouble?
Clearly you didn't remember that one.
YOU were the one who thought lying would be an easy way out.
If you're going to lie, at least cover your tracks.
But I guess you learned the hard way.
Now you don't get to put on a puppy face
And act all miserable
And expect sympathy from me.
I won't let you.
Because you did the wrong thing
And I won't let you make me feel bad
For telling the truth.

The Photograph

That photograph looks better
Lying alone on the floor,
Trapped inside its chipped wooden frame,
And topped with a sprinkling of glass.
There, it is a better representation of
Who we are.
Everything about that photograph is wrong.
Who are those smiling people?
They are certainly not like that now.
They are strangers to me,
And strangers to each other.
And that unblemished white background?
It shouldn't be white at all.
It should be stained with midnight tears,
And cut up with sharp words,
And then clouded by the silence that hangs in the air,
The aftermath of a huge mistake.

I would much rather have taken a pair of scissors
And cut those people apart from each other
And scattered them in the wind
So that it may take them far away from this place
But I can't.
So I just let the frame fall from my hands
Onto the fake laminate
And hope that, by shattering the glass,
I can give those people a chance
To breathe
As they suffocate beneath
Their smiling masks.

Two-Faced Pride

"We stop looking for monsters under the bed when we realize they're inside of us."

                                                                                                                                     -Jordyn Berner

Pride is like oxygen,
Something I can never let go of.
I push it though my veins
And let it nourish me.
Like oxygen,
It feeds me; it keeps me alive.
I convince myself
That I am greater than I am,
That I am stronger than I am,
That I am controlling and powerful.
But in reality,
It sucks the life from me.
Unlike the oxygen that ages me,
Pride makes me childish.
It makes me stubborn,
It makes me arrogant,
It makes me unfeeling.
It shuts me away
From the humanity I long to be part of
And from the love I long to feel.
It is my means of survival,
And yet it is killing me.