Sometimes I Have to Remind Myself

Red leaf on the ground

Still vibrant

Still beautiful

After hundreds of university students’ feet.

Can I be as resilient?

Can I dare to be as bold, bold red?

Can I be trampled and choose to remain beautiful?

Because eventually, a little girl will see me and smile and pick me up and cradle me in her hands, running her fingers along my veins and circling my dark spots. Then, she will give me to her friend like I am a flower.

And through me choosing beauty, I allow her to do the same.

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