By V Cunningham

I am turning fifteen
and so I am breaking the old, bad habits.
My room is cleaner than it was
my door is open sometimes.
Rings and necklaces
replace band-aids
on my arms and legs.
I am in high school,
and so I am breaking the old, bad habits.
I use silverware to eat my food
I masticate with vigor
my nails are long
my hair is less short
I’m not scared of turning fifteen
and so I am breaking the old, bad habits.
My headache goes away when I write
and so I write enough, just enough,
straight teeth, shoelaces
replace the mold in my shower.
it’s been redecorated by the pillbugs
and renovated by the centipedes
I think there’s a caterpillar under my skin
and so I am breaking the old, bad habits.

Third Place: V Cunningham
The Urban School