Dear You, 

I’m proud of you sis. Yes, you. Look at you, picking yourself up from being pricked and bruised by thorns, and rising above the agony and becoming the rose that you are. The rose that has been suffering, deformed, but continues to stand tall, bold, and marvelous.

It is the month of love, most say the month of lovers. Although, you took a different approach by deciding to center yourself and focusing only on you. You have let go of lovers, trauma, and friends. Instead you accomplished the goals that you were fearful to even step foot in.

Girl, give yourself a round of applause because you deserve a standing ovation. You became the person you have always been, most importantly the person you have always dreamed of. You can stop holding your breath now, breathe, because your metamorphosis of bright red petals that once drifted away have now returned.

Red petals that have bloomed, thorns that were once buried, but you are now this beautiful flower that is the center of the exhibit. Your diligence to let go, and stride through the door of transformation and purity leaves others in awe of enchanting. 

From the eloquent words of Maya Angelou, she says, 

“It’s the fire in my eyes, 

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist, 

And the joy in my feet.

I’m a woman 

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That’s me.” 

For once stare at your reflection, and scream or whisper “I am gorgeous. I am enough.” Like Angelou said, it’s the reach of your arms that have fought battles of heartache. It’s the stride of your steps that will walk through rooms, and leave doors opened for others to follow. It’s the curl of your lips that have brushed away, but returned into becoming your muse. Indeed, you are a phenomenal woman.

Turn on your song, dance alone or grab a few friends. As you find yourself smiling, dancing to the beat. Curves moving like the ocean waves as it meets hand in hand with the rhythm. This moment is not for you to run in a race to catch up with the others, it is your moment to finally live through your unapologetic self. Rose petals gifted to you from another being have drifted away. It is now time to give yourself flowers, swift and swing through the rhythm, and write the words of your next chapter. You deserve it. 

Yours truly, 

Your Garden

Above artwork by Aidan Ventimiglia, VOX Teen Staff