there are 5 ways to live.

you could call them 5 doors,

all painted the same color

until you open them.

the first way is to run,

chase the darkness,

and flee from the light.

running means embracing silence

and calling it victory.

running means naming your

life successful when all you've done

is escape.

the second way is to hide-

make yourself small

learn how to disappear. 

even if it means leaving the life you loved.

people would call you a fool

for trying to fold yourself into corners

corners you were forced into by the people themselves.

the third way is to follow,

to walk the paths already stepped upon.

trusting footprints and marks in the snow

more than the ground beneath you.

the fourth way is to fight

to claim that you'll never break,

not unless your enemies fall.

to punch the silence from the ones who run,

carry scars of regret and pain yet still keep

your fists ready.

this door is dangerous,

but you'll become the truest version of yourself.

the fifth way is to notice.

to acknowledge you are there

living in that specific moment.

maybe you carry the same scars

as the fighters. 

but you don't keep your fists clenched.

after all battles and wars

where you watched the others run, hide, follow, fight

you realize you weren't supposed to notice.

remember that once you choose a door,

you can't go back.

P.S, choose anything but the fifth way.