Proud - Kathryn Maiolino

Draped in colors, each our own.

Though we are surrounded

By hundreds of thousands of others like us

To me, we are the only people in the city.

I am grounded by and live only in the place

Where our lips meet.

Friends, a chosen family, supporters—

I’ve never felt more alive

Than in this moment.

I’d never been alive before now.

Between each kiss,

I know not if I am alive.

Each kiss brings such an intense feeling—

Of life,

Calm,

Peacefulness,

Contentment.

Any moment when I am not with you feels incomplete.

A small piece of me longs for you when we are apart.

I know that I am a complete human,

And I need no one to make me whole,

But you elevate my life, my mind,

And I can never thank you enough for that.

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Kathryn Maiolino is an aspiring poet from the suburbs of Philadelphia. While she works as a scientist by day, she enjoys spending her free time exploring themes of depression, anxiety, and love in poetry. Her poetry has been featured in Gabby & Min’s Literary Review. She can be found on Instagram @kmaiolino_writes.