The bloom of something new

Vaccines were usually something that I looked away from

Pretended they were not happening when I went in for my appointments

But for this one, I made sure to feel its impact

The second that I felt the needle,

it felt like the grief of the world was being lifted from my shoulders

I could not stop smiling.

Of course, that is not possible

I do not know anyone’s pain

I do not understand anyone’s pain

Nor was I a key witness to the pain

like those who were steadfast in their duty to serve

But it is like you are sitting towards the end of the bleachers

Trying to crane your head

While that individual gives a moving speech

And once you can see

Everyone is dead silent

and you suddenly feel the heaviness in the air

an uncontrollable tear slides down your face

The step forward was not for me

or you

It was for all of us

that is the beauty of it all

By taking this step,

It was like remembering those we could not save

Those who should have been here

Because I truly wish you could be here