A Girl in a Forgetful World

I Will Never

I will never raise my voice,

I will never scream,

I will never make you feel scared. 

I will never make you feel like

The only way to be free is growing up.

I will never make you feel like ending it all.

I will never make you feel like that is the best option,

The best solution.  

I will never make you live through what I did.

Instead,

I will always love you

And make sure you know it.

I will write notes on heart-shaped paper

And put them in your lunchbox.

I will read stories to you at bedtime

And kiss you goodnight

Every night

No matter how old you get.

I will sing songs with you in the car

And I will watch your favorite movies

Even if I'm tired of them.

I will always ask you how school went

And what playdates we want to have on Friday. 

I will always play games with you,

Whether it be Barbies or Soldiers or Dress Up.

I will always take you to the playground

And push you on the swings.

In the summer, we'll go swimming in the afternoon

And stargazing at night.

I'll point out all the constellations and stars

And name one after you. 

I will give you the world 

Even when I feel broken.

I will bake cookies even when I'm tired,

Because I will love you. 

I will love you so much

That if you are ever asked to define love

You will think of me

And smile.