My eyes are black
My unruly, unmanageable hair is a concern
Even on rainy Sundays, going out is a hassle
I try to smooth it down with a hair iron
My voice gets higher when I’m on the phone
The more angry I am, the more polite I speak
Only the things I disliked
Are becoming similar, which is ironically funny
The customary December cleaning
Cold fingertips touching cheeks, laughing
If I had stayed small
We could have been just a small family
You and what you gave me
My black eyes have grown up
White clouds from the train window
I hear the familiar 5 PM melody
Oh tired body, please keep moving
Swaying through the crowd as if to persuade
All the frustration and restraint
Names that go beyond wishes and prayers for happiness
It might be an exaggeration to say there’s nothing
I want more than now, but
If I could meet you again
I’d honestly say thank you
You were fine just as you were
You even praised my notebook scribbles
I am who I am
Today, I’m fixing my unruly hair again
If I had stayed small
We could have been just a small family
You and what you gave me
My black eyes remain black