In Another Universe

Describe your life in an alternate universe.

In another universe,
the world is softer,
more kind.

I grew up with friends
and peers,
with gentle words
and laughter
that didn’t feel like
glass shards
ground into my wounds.

In another universe,
my family is together.

My mother is there
to hold my hand
while my children are born.
My father
cries soft, happy tears
as I say my vows.
The ones I lost
are with me,
people I can reach for
for comfort.

In another universe,
I’m softer too.

The jagged edges
in the places I broke
are smooth and don’t catch.
I don’t have scars
on my skin
or my heart.

In another universe.