and, of all my broken parts:
the bruised and worn,
the reddened,
the sagging,
and the almost-falling-off,
i will regret not a one;
i have worn them proudly,
like medals of honor,
and even hidden
underneath socks and sweaters
they have shined, bright,
with the glory of all.
(…that i have stepped on,
that i have crashed into,
been burned by,
bitten, sickened, stuck,
and the few reminders
that i have left myself…)
there is a glowing
that i would not trade
for a second chance.
i will take it with me.
and, i am taking all of it.
Andrew Chmielowiec lives in Seattle, Washington, and most certainly does believe in ghosts. he has self-published a chapbook by the name of "sir baden powell patrol award winners, 2003-04," and has a modest amount of short poems featured in small publications. his current writing can be found at sillyandrew.tumblr.com.