the first

When it gets hard
and the weight of
everything burns,
remember

You were the first
to love this body
and soul.

Poem by Jessica Grace Sparks

A Beautiful Life

Do not judge
or compare your hurts,
your years, and your joys
to another’s.

You have created
a beautiful life—
own it.

Poem by Jessica Grace Sparks

I was a butterfly in a dream once.
My wings were made of metal,
starlight wept in my wake,
and I was beautiful.

Poem by Jessica Grace Sparks