“Minute Reflections” Lily Low Poetry
❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊
Must I have a dream?
When I was 9 or 10, I did not have dreams
Getting by was all I wished for
As long as I would not be breaking at the seams
I was fine without achieving more
When I was 15, attending college was the goal
Which major, I had yet to know
All I knew was that I had to ace my next role
After high school, you go to uni, I was told
Adults said to me
To just do well in school
Otherwise I would be fated
To struggle all my life like a mule
When I was 17, an empire I sought after
Every task I poured my heart into
Ensuring no regrets later
At the end of my 18th year
I was offered a leadership position
Eager to make it my year
I accepted without hesitation
Thankfully I was not alone
I was surrounded by joy, the people I love
We would be up for hours till the birds sang, laughing till our sides ache
Ridiculous antics and laughter, these I couldn’t fake
When I eventually fell
From a pedestal I made
I am thankful I was still embraced
Despite my fall from grace
Aside from these dreams or these titles I had
As messy as my heart can be, bearing all of my flaws
I was held with kindness and patience
Qualities I would find myself embracing for the rest of my life
Though it is good to dream
Whether big or small
We are made up of more than just dreams
Our people will love us, truly, through it all
❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊
when it rains
When night rolls around
Storm clouds and the rain descends
Everything feels painted in black
I feel scared, hollowed out,
lonesome
When the darkness feels heavier
Like lead dragging down my bones
I am everywhere, but here
And it painfully shows
Conceal
Suppress
It’s a done deal
That’s what you’ve always stressed
But the truth is
You don’t have to deny it
You don’t have to grin and bear it
Your feelings are valid
You’re not alone in this night
Next time when it rains
I hope you know now
You’re not alone in your pain
Take a breath, you can rest now
❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊
Distant
As people we thrive, on human connection
The love we built, success accompanied in our stride
Human connection also means
That there is way more at stake
Because we get attached and invested
And why losing someone makes our heart ache
A distance wedged between the world and I
A distance, that is welcomed at times
When the world feels overwhelming, I get tongue-tied
I’m sick of the constant chiming in, of what is wrong and right
How do you stay connected
In a world full of distractions
With running thought, pacing steps, ticking time
Will I not be inclined to be more distant?
Having distance is not futile
There is nothing wrong with drawing your boundaries
It may take a while
But those who love you will understand,
And they won’t mind waiting for you to stand
See you next time whenever
Take care of yourselves
I’m clocking out now
But my opening hours will (eventually) be reinstated
❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊
"Minute Reflections" were based on the notion that our emotions fluctuate depending on the change in our environment, circumstances, and people we surround ourselves with. These poems explore seasons of dreaming, of dullness, and of rest.
About the Poet
Lily Low writes online (opinion pieces, poetry, lyrical analysis) advocating for mental health awareness. With a background in Law, her passion for people and their emotional well-being deeply influences her written work. Her main goal is to make the world a little brighter through her passion for words. You can find her as @lilylowstar on Twitter and Instagram.
Contact
Instagram: @lilylowstar
Twitter: @lilylowstar