Nicole Smolinksi, Anticipation

Anticipation

NICOLE SMOLINKSI I can almost taste it on my tongue. So close. Years ago, I felt myself entering the cocoon, Prepared to wait patiently For my wings to grow.

Now, now.

I must be there. I must have transformed.

I feel my wings pushing up against the walls of the cocoon’s interior, Attempting to pry it open And let me out Into the world again.

That must be where this bursting feeling Is coming from.

Years of slow growth, transformation, preparation, quiet. Maybe it’s time to be released Once more; To stretch out, to let my wings take flight for the first time.

The cocoon is cracking open. I am moments before my first flight.