by Rishon K., 18
Under the big oak tree,
secrets hang in the air,
roots twisted like stories,
leaves holding lost dreams.
I watch the world go by,
colors bright and voices loud,
but I feel like I’m in black and white—
a quiet echo,
a single note.
What does it mean to feel alive,
to be seen in all those colors?
I gather my gray thoughts,
mix them with memories—
the smell of rain,
the taste of goodbyes,
each drop a lesson,
each puddle a reflection.
Do they even see me?
A shadow passing by,
or can they see the light
hidden inside?
In the quiet moments,
I find the chance to change,
a wave rising,
making new paths in the sand.
I want to share this song,
break the silence,
invite them to see—
the weight of my words,
the colors of my heart,
hoping they’ll look deeper,
find beauty in what’s hidden,
and understand the layers
of us all.
New City, New York
Bridge Ink 