MYRYN.

I should've known this was you but I guess I read through it too fast the first time through lol. This was my favorite of all the entries. I almost wrote about sandpapered knees, lol, so I'm glad I didn't! This is really beautiful. I love the part about retiring... husbands/wives/children all asleep.

There is a simple tone to this piece that wreaks of pain, and that's obviously perfect for the topic of challenge. You always find a really interesting way of writing on topics and making it feel so absolutely relatable. This is BEAUTIFUL.

Comment from Round 1 of FOP contest:
[This was one of my top favorites as well when reading/judging!]

Everything in this poem caught my eye, especially with how tangible your feelings were. I felt like I was sitting down, reading your words and listening to your thoughts, and feeling them build and build until you are give all the energy you have to scream. The end is like the end of day, or the end of your strength where you just plead "please somebody, tell mama it's not yet time to cry". This poem just left my heart torn. You made it personal and appealed to the emotions speaking of your mama, how on this journey of fifteen years, it hasn't been enough. You are disappointed, shameful, but still learning how to shine. It does take time. Life may not be in our favor all the time and we may hold onto our fears too long, but we are still alive and have a whole lifetime ahead of us. Such a provoking, surreal write!

Judging comment:

"This is truly a beautiful piece of writing, and it was a refreshing read because it was unlike anything I have read before. The imagery and emotion dictated throughout this is really astounding and I can't help but feel the pain behind the words. This is written in such an elegant way throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed it."