For once,
there is no one occupying more space than they deserve
just this once there is no one consuming me and controlling me with their absence
just this once i’m comfortable with absence
just this once i get to enjoy peace of mind
even for a moment
but how sad is it to simply wish to end a year feeling something as simple as an internal calmness

we mistaken silence for suspense
we think it is too loud to bare
we make it something to fear and find ways to disrupt it
But it’s the silence that keeps me together
these moments where it’s just me
and no one else banging on the walls of my mind
demanding to be present
demanding to be seen and heard
are the moments I feel the need to savor most
© Mariam Samir