Because I didn’t die. Because one month ago, I stood at the edge of a bridge and didn’t jump. Because I continue. Stay is a verb, like the tumble of leaves to the bottom of the canyon into which I didn’t fall. Once, at a job interview, I was asked what kind of tree I would be. Eucalyptus was my answer, because it’s my favorite. Imagine now thinking I am what I love. I am almost there.

Anastasia DiFonzo (she/her) is a San Diego based poet with two cats, Klaus and Lucy. Her work can be found in Anti-Heroin Chic and Gnashing Teeth Publishing, and forthcoming in Sledgehammer Lit. She is on Instagram at @anastasia.difonzo.