Leaning in

It’s something I’ve always wanted—
But then I guess a lot of my dreams are coming true.
But the strange thing about dreams is that suddenly you’re inside them,
Like waiting and waiting for summer and suddenly finding yourself on the back of an inner tube splashed with lake water, drenched in sun, laughing into the wind, wondering how you got there.

I am standing, waiting, and sometimes waiting makes me anxious,
But this busker is singing such happy songs and everyone going by is smiling and dancing as they pass and I am leaning on a pillar swaying to the music.

Then I see some women in bright colored jeans and big smiles start to sing along and I watch the busker make his way toward one of them who’s wearing a bright yellow crop top. She reminds me of Cynthia Erivo. I like her already.
I am pulled toward them though I don’t remember telling my feet to move.
She starts to sing into the mic.
Leeeeaan on meeeeeeee
I don’t hesitate.
I jump right in, both feet, headfirst, whole body.
Whennn you’re not stronngggg
Harmonies pull out of me like taffy
They’re not perfect, but they soar.
The busker looks like Christmas has come early.
He holds the mic between the girl and me and we sing our harmony to each other.

It is surreal; it is everything I’ve ever wanted.
My throat doesn’t hurt. I’ve forgotten I have a throat.
I only have a soul and a heart beat.
I only have eyes that see deep and feel the pulse of the music.
I only have a dance inside my skin.
Time doesn’t exist.

A crowd gathers and there’s a warm glow around us like we’ve transformed this dingy train station into a campfire family.

I walk away dancing, waving madly, the whole group laughing and wrapping me in their delight.

with joy and confetti,

Alexa