For Emilie, and every teenager who is better than they believe

For Emilie

I’ve known you,

I’ve known you to be gentle

To fog up the glass with your breath

And let it fade on its own

I’ve known you,

I’ve known you to be sharp

But only with yourself  –  and constantly

You’d never talk to anyone like that, the way you do to yourself

I’ve known you,

I’ve known you to be sad

Always looking for something to spoil it

Pressing hard, on the apple, that had no bruises

But I’ve known you,

And I know you too well

Because you are too lovely and too good

To be afraid of happiness, happiness will always find the brave

Because I know you,

So I know you will get hurt

I know you will feel scared

I know you will fight and fight and fight

So,

I know,

You will win

The brave always win.