Sixth grade: the first time I felt love in my bones.

And you didn't even notice
When the sky turned blue
And you couldn't tell the difference
Between me and you
And I nearly didn't notice
The gentlest feeling     

Tenth grade: the last time I loved selflessly.

Gray, quiet and tired and mean
Picking at a worried seam
I try to make you mad at me over the phone.
Red eyes and fire and signs
I’m taken by a nursery rhyme
I want to make a ray of sunshine and never leave home

Second year college: the Good Year.

Give me more loving from the very start
Piece me back together when I fall apart
Tell me things you never even tell your closest friends

Make me feel good when I hurt so bad
Best that I've had, I'm so glad I found you

After graduation: the last time I hurt myself.

Everything that I said I'd do
Like make the world brand new
And take the time for you
I just got lost and slept
Right through the dawn

Second job: when the world began to feel lighter.

I'm a little shy
But I know you know
I haven't done this too much
Cause I did not know

So breathe my air, and kiss me there
Cause I’m a little cold
but I’ll warm up with you
Heart out my chest when you put it there
Yeah I’m a little cold
but I’ve warmed up with you

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“The Isolation Journals” started as a 30-day quarantine creativity project. It was created by the brilliant Suleika Jaouad for the challenging occasion that is COVID-19. A different journaling prompt landed in my inbox every day for the month of April 2020, each one from a different writer, artist, musician or thinker. As the global situation expanded, so too did the journaling project.

Today’s prompt is from Pushcart-nominated essayist, editor and content strategist Hallie Goodman.