THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.

I have an empty space,
That’s wrapped around my heart,
And anyone who's seen it,
Doesn't think I'm very smart.
They wonder about my life,
They wish upon a star,
To take away the vacuum,
Or fill the space up like a jar.

But I love my empty spaces,
I don't need to build a wall,
The things that need a way out,
Usually find one on their own.
My precious empty spaces,
Keep all things fresh and new,
Letting colors run freely,
Without painting things a certain hue.

I see no fear or trouble,
Because little do they know,
We all need a little space sometimes,
Some room for us to grow.