One breath,

Just one more.

It’s just one more breath.

You can manage that.

Don’t quit,

I know you don’t really want to

Die

That is.

But quitting—

Even if i wanted to, I don’t know how.

I never understood

The appeal.

Why?—

Why should I quit?

I have a hundred reasons why I should

But I ignore every one of them.

I ask myself, am I smart enough?—

No. No, I’m not smart enough.

Am I pretty enough?—

No. No, I’m not pretty enough.

Am I talented enough?—

No. No, I’m not talented enough.

When I think like this

Even against the sea

Of the vibrant coral reef

That inhabits me

I still don’t think I am strong enough.

I still don’t think I am tough enough.

And yet,

I never quit.

I just keep taking one more breath

After the other.

Maybe it’s true,

Maybe I’m not strong or tough or talented

But I’m sure as hell

Built from courage.