summers shine different when you think the entire world is on your side
they are fifteen and summers are new when you have all the freedom you could want. bus tokens are clasped in tight hands and limbs are hitting each other as they stand together, and yet still so afraid. they dye and cut and trim and shave their hair in an attempt to be anybody else. bright fingernails bounce along dirty subway handrails and the screams of laughter sound more like songs.
they are sixteen and have bright eyes and heads full of dreams. hot days are spent lazily, sweat dripping down smooth necks. legs half shaven, but shown anyway as they say we are here and we are not ashamed. bright red stains their cheeks and patches of skin peel but who cares about the pain when the beach is calling. they tug anxiously at strings of bikinis but still wink at lifeguards imagining weddings smelling of summer rain
they are seventeen and taller and skinnier and a little bit more broken but they stand just as strong. it is a challenge now, who can show the most skin as they pose j u s t right in order to walk beside men. they arenât scared anymore as they inhale bitterness into their lungs giggling like children once more. pinkies hold tight as sleep falls fast, makeup left on. they feel more adult than they ever have before but still unmistakably like children.
