Description: The winner of the 1st half of the yearly contest 2024

In Another Life I Live Bravely

Submitted by MermaidMaster

I want to live in the tallest apartment in New
York City, and peer my gaping eyes through
my window to see only dancing beetles below.

I will wear expensive feathers and furs, I’ll
dance with strangers, and I’ll party for a while
with headliners after sold-out shows.

I’ll walk the streets wearing only perfume and
watch men stand agape as I strut past, too awed
at my nakedness proud and aglow.

I’ll rebel and I’ll wail and I’ll cry out,
“Change will come! Justice will prevail!”
And I won’t shut up until Change comes and goes.

I’ll play poker with CEO’s, and kiss strange men in taxis,
and spin through the nights like a globe on its axis;
to live with honeyed hi’s! And never with lows.

I’ll do pilates and yoga, drink only red wine,
and I won’t dwell on the men who used to be mine.
I’ll live fast and so furiously young,
and I’ll die gentle, soft and divine.