drabbles

on running under the stars

i ran across the field at night

the monsters nipping at my heels

as i sprinted past;

the darkness beckoning

with whispers of promises,

long-lost and forgotten;

of the dark desires

i locked securely behind doors of steel

and buried deep in my heart

before throwing away the key.

i ran on past the creatures

my mind couldn't comprehend—

the monsters under my bed,

in my closet,

in my home,

in my heart;

and chased the balls of light

drifting aimlessly about

radiating comfort and home;

like a snug, cosy blanket

on a cold winter day

like that one friend's rare smile

lightning up my darkest nights

like a cup of toasty tea

and the bittersweet aftertaste;

my arms reaching, reaching—

for the small tastes of joy,

of freedom,

of bliss, pure and precious

and i grabbed them

in my small palms,

eyes bright with stubborn hope

and a smile so wide

i could barely stop myself

from bursting into delightful laughter.

and i stored them all,

all the priceless fireflies

made of a happiness

that only existed in my dreams,

in a glass jar,

giggling dreamily

as i soaked in their light and warmth;

watching them flit around

with a giddy smile

hardly able to believe

that i deserved something as valuable

as this jar

filled to the brim with

tiny scraps of joy.