i struggle
down
the

stairs
with stacks of new
friends, worlds,
and
sometimes mirrors.

full of thoughts,
feelings.
laughter

sadness

anger


excitement



love?

the familiar smell
feel of smooth
plastic
or worn paper,
glossy cardboard
colors colliding
clamoring for
my
attention

they don't understand
(never will)
how i can even stand
the thought
of opening those
simple
unassuming treasures
in fact, most of them
would much rather

just sit in front of

a screen.

how can i explain to them
the unexpected surprises
that would await them
if they only reached
for the pause button?

how can i describe to them
what happiness
truly
is?

so i just sit there
and smile
retreating

happily

into

my very own
sanctuary.