I can't go for a run or be congested or kiss you

By: Ruby Browning

I can't go for a run or be congested or kiss you

because every time I can't catch my breath,

I'm pretty sure I am dying, but

After three times of hitting the busted-up ground with the blood-river of my face, I finally switched to

using my feet and I am already miles away from the bruises

And sometimes my nose drips like the ocean crying for every dying whale at once and I’m sorry if

that’s gross to say, but at least it means something in me is still moving.

Now’s probably not a good time but your breath smells like salt and I mean that in a good way and

my lips have been sliced open on the sharp edge of winter, but for you I am willing to let them sting.

and I used to run 5ks for fun with my mother every month

and I got sick over Christmas break,

and I kissed you when I came home anyway,

and this is just to say

to live is worth the risk.