It's Whatever

By Julie Makhoul

It's whatever.  

I'm used to it already.  

The weight is heavy,  

But my hands stay steady.  

Falling feels like flying  

When the ground won't hit.  

It's whatever.  

I'm used to it.  

I checked my phone like prayer beads—  

Each buzz a possibility  

That never came. 

You promised stars,  

But I got streetlights  

Flickering above  

An empty chair  

And melting ice.  

I dressed in hope,  

Lined my eyes with belief—  

Only to meet the silence  

Wearing your name.  

But still, I hold my own hand,  

Steady like vows  

I give myself.  

The fall may linger,  

But it never breaks me.  

It's whatever.  

I'm used to it already.  

The weight is heavy,  

But my hands stay steady.  

Falling feels like flying  

When the ground won't hit.  

It's whatever.  

I'm used to it.

By Julie Makhoul