If the work breaks your back,
then laying down shall be all the sweeter.
If the noise deafens your ears,
then listen for what cannot be said.
If your skin grows raw from the sun,
make all your touches light and gentle.
If the food tastes of filth,
find joy instead in the fullness of your belly.
If the air is polluted with cigarettes and gas,
plant a flower to fill your nose with sweetness.

If you find yourself alone,
just focus on finding yourself first.
If you are unable to live for yourself,
live for others.

__________________________________
LAURA JO BARBER is a senior pursuing a Baccalaureate degree in Business Administration. Laura developed an interest in writing at a young age due to her love of reading. By finding inspiration in authors like Hemingway, Neruda, and Plath, she was able to grow her own writing style, and hopes to continue to do this as she moves forward.