I’ll always pinch myself because all of this is real.

As much as I want time to stand still.

YOU CAN’T AVOID IT FOREVER BY MEGAN VASQUEZ 34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 64

As much as I want time to stand still, it’s just

Something that will always be faster than I am.

Remind me to do the most: indulge

In sweetened coffee, let the ocean wet my hair.

Don’t let me forget about those I care 

About. Tell me to order that drink with muddled

Mint. And don’t forget to prove to me that a mirror

Is subjective, that clothes aren’t just for concealing.

And I’ll always pinch myself because all of this is

Real, and stories will just drive me further from

This world. But most importantly, tell me to stop begging for

More sleep so I can at least look time in the eye.