Yesterday, I watched videos on manifesting
I find a sunny place to survive.
Every morning, a new magnum opus greets me
& I am so awake
& my parents don’t have to worry.
My friends are not far away
& if they are, I can drive to them. I can drive.
My friends never have to wonder whether I’ll text back
this time.
I love someone who loves me & receive flowers every week
but not necessarily from them
& not necessarily flowers. Sometimes
I buy the not-flowers myself & my windowsill becomes an arrangement.
I cannot believe
how happy I am. I believe how happy I am.
I fall asleep so easily &
even in every dream I survive.
Noreen Ocampo (she/her) is a Filipina American writer and poet based in metro-Atlanta. She studies English, film, and media at Emory University and currently writes for COUNTERCLOCK and {m}aganda magazine. She is also a regular contributor for Marías at Sampaguitas. Say hi on Twitter @maybenoreen!