Alive and Awake

When you have to prop your eyes open because hustle is your daily partner, overdosing on yawns,

eyes drift off, lashes lock tight, have more caffeine, about to doze off. 

Wait, cute chick I'm wide awake now!

Sometimes they smile back but I don't care that much these days anyways. 

The chin is from my Irish grandfather, the meekness from my polish grandfather who fled from Nazis, 

 both immigrants, badass men,

zip your xenophobic mouth,

they would be rolling in their grave.

Even tired my blue childlike eyes stay open, lashes wasted on a boy thanks Mom!

Humor when I'm just being real thanks Dad!

I'm sorry I'm not good enough–no forget that– I'm not sorry for anything,

 what a privilege to be so tired

 and yet so alive and awake.