Youth

I remember that when I was young
happiness was fleeting, but abundant,
love was shallow, but surrounding,
sadness was a concept I never understood and
life was taken for granted.

Now I’m older and have
dreamt of death’s door,
I’ve swum in a sea of my own tears and
swallowed the key to my own prison.
I’ve torn down the brambles piercing my heart
and walked through burning forests alive.

Yet if you asked me which life I’d prefer,
I’d say: “The latter.”
It was hard, it was painful, but I’m stronger
than ever before.

And most importantly,
I’m happier.

— An anonymous escape from life

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Art by Heo Jiseon | @yuugi83 (Instagram)