reason. this waiting is a kindness. let it hold you. relish that feeling

of becoming new. feel your heart beating strongly in your chest. it

is another day. another chance. open your eyes, and step into the

sun.

acknowledgements

there are so many people i want to thank for the parts they’ve played in

making my dreams as a writer come true that i’ll probably forget some. if

you don’t find your name here, just know that i am still forever grateful.

to michelle at central avenue, thank you so much for taking a chance on

me. i don’t think i will ever be able to fully express how thankful i am.

to mom and dad, grandmom, and ga and pa, i’m sorry i kept this part of

my life secret for so long. i’m glad you’re a part of it now. i couldn’t ask for

a more supportive family, not just for my writing, but for everything i do.

thank you for teaching me to be kind, smart, and passionate.

to harrison, i’m glad i have a little brother who is cool enough to be proud

that his sister writes poetry instead of embarrassed by it. i’m also glad that

i have a little brother who is also one of my best friends.

to ashley, kason, catherine, and all of my friends at school, when i came

into college i did not expect to be met with such support because i did

not receive a lot of it in high school. when i decided to start talking about

my writing and self-publish my first collection during fall of freshman

year, i was blown away by how many of you not only congratulated and

encouraged me, but also bought the book. you all helped me become

shamelessly proud of my art. ashley, thanks for being the best roommate a

girl could ask for, who drove me to see shades of lovers in-store the day it

came out after a full day of classes despite it being all the way across town.

kason, spending time with you was often my favorite way to pass time

in high school and it still is now. thank you for being my person to rant

to about anything under the sun and for sticking by me for the last eight

years. catherine, you are one of the most kind, genuine people i know

and i am so glad we’ve had the chance to create so many fun memories

together. i know whenever i feel down i can just come to you.

to bethany, you were the one person in high school i felt completely

comfortable talking about my writing with and to this day i know i can

turn to you when coming up with a new book idea or working through

a creative block. but more than that, you are one of my best friends and

confidants. thank you.

to blake, thank you for supporting me unconditionally. i am so grateful for