Being home is safer...

Being home is safer

Than witnessing sorrow in the eyes of fellow bus riders

Or

Being pressured by peers to get a little bit higher

Or

Feeling awkward when the cashier hands me my extra dollars,

Wanting to say so much more than

‘thank you’

being home is safer

than inhaling car fumes on the walk to buy groceries

or

facing my own shadows when I encounter people I envy

or

when I pass someone on the street, our eyes meet, mouths open to say hello,

but sound doesn’t get the memo

so we word it with our lips, was that moment missed?

Being home is safer than facing fears

Or

Saying no to the beggar who asks for money,

Who looks hungry,

But only feeds their addictions

Or

Being judged head to toe by people you don’t know

Or

Seeing a row of cars collide right before your eyes

And realizing if you were 10 seconds earlier,

You could have died

Being home is safer

Than leaving people you love without saying goodbye

Or

Getting yelled at by a teacher for letting out a sigh

Or

Being ignored by your secret crush when you give them a smile

Being home is safe

Yes

Cushioned with the familiarity of control

Decorated in easy to receive pleasures

Boxed up with pre set patterns and tied with a bow

No stress, no pressures, no where to go,

Ah

But it’s when you’re out of your comfort zone that character grows

You’d never know the potential of water unless you’ve experienced snow

It may be cold but the beauty is worth it

Challenges are opportunities for you to realize your capability

Difficult times are life’s way of showing you that you’re worthy

Don’t stop when life gets hard because blessings are a few yards down the road

Hitchhiking across America 2 years in a row, opened up my mind to parts of myself I would’ve never known

Being home is safe yes, but I’m not afraid to roam