a reason to stay

i take the joy in the little things 
moments easily forgotten 
but i cling onto them with the desperation 
of a promised salvation 
because they are, they really are, 
on the nights when this doesn't feel worth staying for. 

remember this: 
the way the air smells after the rain 
petrichor, the clean fragrance of dew 
the world washed clean. 
dance in the puddles, under the rainbow. 
the crickets are singing. 

remember this: 
there is food waiting on the table 
and it is hot,
and it is made for you. 
hungry child, don't be so sad. 
take a spoonful of soup. taste. 
it is salty. 
take another. 

remember this: 
your shelves bend with the weight of unread books. 
take one.
read it. 
maybe these words will be the ones to save you. 
maybe this page will change your life for the better. 
an unread book never helped anyone, 
so go out, take a chance,
read 
and learn. 

remember this: 
laughter rising 
the autumn chill 
too-loud music 
lazy mornings 
frogs singing 
constellations
birthday cake 
smell of sharpie ink 
family shopping trips 
paint on your fingers 
bodies interlocked like puzzle pieces
like a hug can complete what you are missing.  

remember this. 
remember this. 
remember this-- 

there is always a reason to stay.