The crosswalk counts down in a broken rhythm
White numbers blinking through rain
A flyer peels itself off a street pole
Like it changed its mind about staying
My phone lights my face from below
Half a sentence still unsaid
I watch it disappear into my pocket Before it decides who I am
I learn to map by watching other people move
But I never asked if it fit me I've
been living by rules I didn't write
Quiet ones I memorized too well How to smile on time,
how to soften my truth
How to make the room feel safe But I'm
tired of editing my posts to belong
I want a life that ain't six pack
When I step wrong
The
subway arm shakes dust from the ceiling
Blue light slips under tired eyes
A couple argues in mirrored whispers Both protecting different lines
I used to borrow other people's limits Call it maturity,
call it grace
Now I notice how my body tightens
Every time I trade mileage for space
Some habits only look like discipline
Cause fear learned how to speak calmly
I've been living by rules I didn't
write Carrying weight I never chose
Turning every instant into something
smaller Just to keep the peace I don't
know But I'm done confused and controlled with care
I want a life that doesn't finish when I'm there
I thought freedom would sound reckless Like breaking glass,
like burning plants
But it feels more like a steady decision I finally let reach my hands
No rebellion,
no dramatic line Just listening longer to the part of me
That knows I'm done living by rules I didn't write
Even when they make me look composed I
won't keep shrinking what feels alive
And need to fit someone else's code This isn't chaos
It's learning how to trust my own quiet law
Let it go Let it go
I turn screen I
cross without checking twice
And let my steps decide what's right