November 23, 2022 - “The Worst Things in the World” by Rahil Najafabadi

There’s a few moments in the year I feel like a complete person:
At the dinner table with friends, a lover, family––drinking
to the next touch of light. Under pine trees, dozing off from hard cider.
Crashing in the bushes from sugar, too much too fast.

The river of trust when a love story begins, and the person’s hands
are still warm. Opening a box of chocolates and not knowing
which will melt softer in my mouth. Kissing pink in winter,
falling drunk in spring, under the bloom of pounds of lilies.

Countless memories of moments I felt I was simply not awake.
But those days were all free, my smile was not sponsored.
Why are the worst things in the world so expensive?
Freedom takes lives, healing takes time, and I am now bare.

I hope the moon of bad dust skips my home today––come back
tomorrow, the next day, the next, and another lifetime after.