Lisa Aguilar

It is my 7,334’th day of living.
I think I’m getting the hang of it.
My cuticles have stopped bleeding

and

my voice doesn’t break when talking to strangers.
Sometimes, I even speak first.
To the old man behind me in line

or

to the girl with the faded purple hair
reaching for the same book as me.
Some things remain difficult.
I have my permit but I still can’t drive

or

find the right words to comfort a crying man.
Citrus and zest still seep into cuts
I don’t ever seem to notice before peeling the orange.

My laundry is always wrinkled.
My spanish remains poor

and

My confidence borders on the theatrical.
It is my 7,334’th day of living.
I think I’m getting the hang of it.
The growing pains never reside

but

I have learned how to ease the ache.

–

Lisa Aguilar is a twenty year old poet and visual artist, living a quiet life on a farm in the southern United States. During her free time if she’s not creating she may be found reading, spending time with family and friends, or snuggling up with one of her many pets.