Open Hands

Growing up

Is mostly about letting go.

Letting go of the people you swore you’d never lose,

Of the laughter that used to fill certain rooms,

Of he way things felt easier when you didn’t know

How fragile everything really was.

It’s learning to live with empty spaces

The ones people leave behind,

The ones you make yourself

When you stop trying to fit where you no longer belong.

It’s forgiving what never apologized,

Understanding that love can fade

Withhout becoming a lie,

And realizing that not everyone who leaves

Meant to hurt you.

It’s catching yourself saying,

“I’m fine,”

And half-meaning it this time.

It’s learning to miss things softly,

To remember without reopening the wound,

T see old places and smile

Instead of breaking all over again.

And somewhere along the way,

You stop searching for the person you used to be,

Yu just hope she’d be proud

Of the person still trying.

Because growing up

Isn’t about becoming someone new.

It’s about carrying everything you’ve lost

Amd still choosing to move forward

With open hands.

-dmnd