Poetry is

Poetry is writing even if you are the only one who will read your words. 
Poetry is sharing a piece of your vulnerable soul. 
Poetry is shouting your roommate’s name across a busy street as you go down opposite metro escalators.
Poetry is a man silently listening to music and using his bottle as a microphone and then quickly drinking water when he realizes you’re watching.
Poetry is blasting classic rock as you clean the microwave at midnight.
Poetry is reading a book for once.
Poetry is feeling lost and small in a crowd of people.
Poetry is feeling short and powerless.
Poetry is being small yet mighty.
Poetry is the shower water smoothing out your skin over your freckles.
Poetry is crying through a children’s animated film.
Poetry is embarrassment for your simple misunderstanding.
Poetry is the confidence of karaoke in a room full of strangers.
Poetry is clapping off beat.
Poetry is bacon and eggs smelling like home.
Poetry is extra peanut butter.
Poetry is sleeping on the top bunk at age twenty-three.
Poetry is getting a tax return.
Poetry is gossip spreading quicker than fake news.
Poetry is laughing with new friends.
Poetry is missing old friends and longing for nostalgic memories.
Poetry is you calling someone more than they call you.
Poetry is nonexistent time when talking with a friend.
Poetry is worried parents.
Poetry is the full moon setting over the river.
Poetry is smelling fertilizer for the first time that year and having every other spring memory come back to you instantly.
Poetry is smiling at the grumpy old lady whose face immediately brightens.
Poetry is breaking a language barrier through lots of hugs and grins.
Poetry is feeling confused about new ideas.
Poetry is life slowing down and changing in ways you never expected.
Poetry is a global pandemic.
Poetry is passive aggressive comments that you regret immediately.
Poetry is showing someone appreciation through a use of their name.
Poetry is seeing the same street performer every day but never giving them money.
Poetry is listening to a boy play guitar.
Poetry is your stomach and heart switching places because of a thousand butterflies.
Poetry is blossoms peaking for no one to see.
Poetry is abandoned schools and churches and airports.
Poetry is an overdue call from a sister.
Poetry is unsaid goodbyes.
Poetry is leaving a place you think you called home.