You

By Genesis Rose, Senior

I was advised to give advice to potentially prohibit a vice.
Vices however, make us who we are;
Are we meant to eradicate every immorality from our being?
Being that we are human, this dauntless deduction is difficult to believe,
So, believe in yourself, or something, or maybe nothing at all.
All of everything— is irrelevant after all.
After all you’ve endured has dulled your spark,
Spark a flame within another—  inspire a young heart.
Heart and mind will become one over time, so do not hasten the pace.
Pace yourself, life is about the journey, not the race.

Race with friends, walk with lovers, swim in your youth.
Youth often betrays us, so be you while you are still you.
You should always ask questions, about the things you do not understand.
Understand that every question doesn’t warrant an answer, not everyone operates at your command.
Command the attention of everyone in the room with just your aura and grace.
Grace the hearts of men and women alike, with your soul, with your thoughts, with your face.
Face your fears before they face you.
You are strong, you are brave— no one can take you.

You are naive and young, but that is alright.
All right may be wrong, and all wrong may be right.
Write a letter to someone you love--
Love those who do not love you.
You should expect violence; don’t let it consume you.
You know that sadness is a behemothly blue and passion is of a risqué red.
Read, you once did and prayers you once said.
Ced(ar) grows and lives and then dies and is born again.
A gain is but a loss if you tainted your heart for the validation of men.

Men are corrupt, do not be them.
Them, as in anyone who is not you:
You can be great and you can be kind and you can be wise and you can be—
What nobody else ever can…
You.