Are You Out There?

Harvard Nguyen

Harvard Nguyen

Age 18+ category | Spring into Poetry Contest 2025 | San José Public Library

With every dandelion swaying in the wind, 
Every bright star beaming in the sky, 
Every hand of a clock hitting 11:11, 
You're at the center of my wishes, 
My heart looking for its missing piece. 
Are you out there? 
 
A lonesome soul I am, 
A constant war with my thoughts, 
Conceal and keep it inside, 
Mask yourself and stay quiet. 
Am I too detached from the world 
Or unworthy of the love I desire? 
 
The hopes of you still out there 
Brings me light within all the darkness. 
Love is not a something we can control, 
Rather a lesson in the value of patience. 
As every waking moment passes, 
Another minute wasted not loving you. 
 
Love isn't just another word in the English language, 
It's a promise of unconditional care and nurture. 
It's seeing your arms encased in goosebumps, 
My oversized jacket wrapped around you. 
It's hurting from the sorrow of your tears, 
The sound of laughs ready to dry them. 
 
It's sharing every meal with you, 
Lying that I'm full so you could 
Have the larger portion. 
It's the thought of getting to  
Brush your hand against mine, 
And getting to taste your sweet lips, 
A constant part of you always with me. 
 
It's the blessing of my eyes, 
A goddess radiating with every step. 
It's the feeling I get when you walk into the room, 
The butterfly garden in my stomach. 
It's the feeling of your arms around me, 
The sounds of our heartbeats in sync. 
 
I feel the tears reaching my eyes, 
Seeing you walk down the aisle in  
Your white dress, 
A promise of forever. 
I see a house filled with children, 
Our love for them outgrowing 
The size of our hearts. 
 
I know not every day will be rainbows, 
As we will encounter clouds and rainstorms. 
But going through life with you  
helps the sunshine break through. 
 
I want tomorrow to come sooner, 
As I cannot fathom one more day without you. 
I hope you're out there looking for me too, 
Because I have never stopped looking. 
Whether thousands of miles aways or within inches of me, 
My heart will be yours until the end of my days.
0