I Am a Pumpkin
Abby N. Wooldridge
I am a pumpkin
with potential
to become
whatever I want
if I’m brave enough
to change
like the leaves
flying free.
I look up
to the leaves
for courage,
as I cry out
from the knife
that cuts deep.
I watch them
float down,
unafraid to fall
into perfect piles
made for jumping,
as the blade
breaks me open
and I weep,
as my soul
seeps
to the ground.
Those leaves,
like me,
are just
as beautiful
here beneath
the trees
as they were
hanging on.
So I spill my guts
to them.
I scoop out
the fears
and doubts
that have
strung me along.
I look at the trees
that once were full,
knowing that
I once was
was solid.
Like them,
now
I am
empty.
You can see it
in my eyes.
But like
these trees,
letting go
means living on.
I’m more whole
from being broken.
You can see it
in my smile.
Though I’ve been
hollowed out,
a new light
burns bright
that fills
the void
inside.
Now
I am
a lantern.
And I plant
all these seeds
of wishes and dreams
by this bare tree
in a patch
full of
hope.
This is my 197 word entry for the #FallWritingFrenzy (Image 1). Many thanks to Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez (@KaitlynLeann17) for hosting and to Ameerah Holliday (@Ms_Holliday93) and Ebony Lynn Mudd (@ebonylynnmudd) for being guest judges! Want to participate? Check out Kaitlyn's website for rules and information. Many thanks to all the prize donors as well!
Photo from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/orange-pumpkins-on-the-ground-5634600/
