The Rink

I want to tell you don’t ever fall again, but I can’t because I know you. You look down now because you don’t want anyone to see the softness and vulnerability in those black eyes. You walk so stiffly because you know how clumsy you are, falling over nothing, and you hate it. One day, your bright eyes will open and you’ll see your clumsiness and vulnerability are what makes you endearing and lovely. How you wear your heartbreak all over you like a bunch of LED lights (you do that, darling, and it’s fabulous). I can’t warn you to not fall again because I know you will. I am still trying (and failing miserably) to not fall over anything. Just let it happen.

Eventually, your chin will callus and your legs will sprawl gracefully and it won't take you so long to crawl to the wall, balance yourself, and go out there and skate again. The fall is the part we always remember now, but you’ll make people laugh one day when you talk about trying to impress a boy by doing a double axle knowing you put on skates for the first time in years today. It’ll be okay, darling. A broken heart doesn’t stop you from loving again.