i have fallen in love with the sound of people living.
sitting on a bench outside the train stop
listening to the sound of laughter and chirping birds floating across the wind
coming from children playing soccer with their dad.
simple yet beautiful.

i turn to my friend and smile.
and she says
"i love the sound of people living."
and we laugh bc. i had said the exact same thing yesterday
and boy isn't it so simple yet beautiful.

the tracks begin to shake with the warning of a coming train
and the laughing and birds begin to fade away
yet it does not cease.
and my friend and i go on living
exploring new places,
trying new food,
seeing new views outside my train window.

simple yet beautiful
living
in this complicated world of ours.
don't forget to stop and listen to it.

$10

why do i get attacked for saying
no
to your seemingly innocent caresses on my arm
as you congratulate me on "great service?"

your $10 tip will not buy my consent.

when i tell you i am uncomfortable
you will only laugh
and lift your hands up in the air
as if they will erase the shivers left on my skin.

when i do not laugh back
you will become hostile
throwing words at my face
meant to make me bleed.

you do not realize your hostility only proves your guiltiness.

i am resilient
i will persist
i will say no

your $10 will not buy me.