I wake up
and before the world gets a chance to speak to me,
I speak to myself...
I love you, Ivory.
Because love needs to be heard early
or it gets drowned out by the day.
I drink water like I’m pouring life back into me
and drop to the floor for crunches,
fighting a belly that’s been holding memories,
stress, and late nights a little too well.
I say my affirmations
while wiping crumbs off my eyes
proof that I survived yesterday
ending with a night full of dreams.
The shower hits.
Hot water for the weight.
Cold water for the wake-up call.
That sharp breath that says,
you’re still here.
Fruit meets the blender.
Healing on the move.
Back to the mirror,
softening the marks on my skin,
hyperpigmentation I call love
even when my voice hesitates.
Clothes on.
No pause.
Because if I stop too long, doubt finds me.
I arrive to work, set everything up,
finally breathe
and realize
I forgot my damn smoothie.
But here’s the thing:
I showed up anyway.
I survived the morning,
I spoke my love,
I lived my chaos,
and somehow…
I still win
