She gave her birth, breathed life into her. Fed, caressed, soothed, punished. Comforted again. She got her to believe in all things unreal or what seemed real. But today, child’s grown enough to be self-reliant. She needs no womb, no feeds, nor caresses. Her own strength guides her, and she forms her own beliefs. Mother ...

Calm settles around me. A sense of rightness fitting like connecting puzzle pieces that complete the picture.

“I didn’t mean to fall in love with you and ruin our friendship. So…I’ll stop.”

Forget the punching bag. His face will do just fine.

At 3.00 am, I wish again For the harsh sands of time To soften, after tonight’s misty rain I wish, to learn something new every day Sometimes I did not remember what I wished for But I know every dawn beholds a new horizon I wish, the weathered trees themselvesWould rekindle my stolen dreamsAnd turn them into a forest ...

“Anna, you are not a disaster. You’re a delight.”

I am unapologetic, imperfect, and awkward Anna Waite. Someone who names her car and gets stuck on the back of fire trucks.

If this was a movie, now would be the moment Dylan makes a move, dropping everything to pull me into an embrace.

Eyes ruby redHe lays in my bedGets in my headWants me dead He lures me inWith his musical hissAnd numbs my heartWith his poisonous kiss Coils around myBody just rightSqueezing and crushingWith all his might Until I cease to seeDanger in his hugsLoss and fearWill fill my lungs The coolness of his skinPulls me inNow I have lostMy second ...