Living in Darkness by Tei Kim (16, New Jersey)

I am trapped in darkness
​But it’s better, some say
​To forever live in darkness
than to ever see the light

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Would you live in darkness
where imagination runs wild
​Or would you live in the light
where imagination becomes reality?

You can dream for eternal darkness
but you cannot dream of escaping reality
Cause when light knocks on the lid’s door
you must hope reality is your dreams

You make darkness become darker
but the light becomes brighter
Brightness that blinds you to dreams
and throws you into the dim reality

Antennas detect your faint heartbeat
The predator flattens and inches closer
Eyes lock – the air stops to watch –
Its breath too close for comfort