In Love With Living

I’m falling in love with living.

I’m falling in love with impulsive tattoos in shady studios,
with midnight walks and shared hoodies on narrow pavements.
I’m falling in love with the smell of fresh rain and cut grass,
of barbecues and sea salt in the air near beaches.

I love the beach, the waves and how the sun
shines a bright orange before setting in the sea
I love rainstorms, grey clouds and lightning
a steady rhythm of drops falling on my skin

I love holding hands, interlocking fingers
and rubbing thumbs in circles on skin
I love wearing my heart on my sleeve
Because everyone should know I love them

I love how my mother kisses my forehead on nights I can’t sleep
my father has tears in his eyes he won’t let us see, but he is so proud
I love my dog, who sleeps a little more peacefully if I am next to him
and reminds me that simply existing is good enough

I love the sun for rising when I don’t want to.
how each day goes on despite me,
how life is still worth loving when I feel like I am not

I’m falling in love with hope.
hope for better days, for better moments and memories
and reasons to go on.
I have so many already, but
I’m falling in love with so many more.

 

 

Riya is a nineteen-year-old psychology student who spends her free time obsessing over dogs, reading and singing along to Harry Styles. She’s only been published a handful of times and usually writes rambling pieces in her pink diary.