I.
laugh.
laugh at all the times you find funny.
the things that makes you sad.
laugh.
laugh at all the jokes you found corny.
all the lame puns that he said.
laugh.
II.
draw a pentagram out of all the names that hurt you
light a candle for each time you want to cry,
but you didn’t.
III.
whisper all the words you should have said,
like a song,
a protective spell,
a charm.
IV.
summon all the courage inside your heart
take three deep breaths
make it five if the moment ask for it
V.
then,
close your eyes
pause your breathing
your thinking
your heart
VI.
say “not today, not today”
outloud
repeat until necessary
“not today, not today”
VII.
finally open your eyes
you're not crying
anymore.