What Do You Feel? Poem by Catherine Novick

When you fall onto concrete, what do you feel?
I feel the blinding, white pain piercing my skin.
I feel the burning trickle of blood spreading on my knees.

When you get a present on your birthday, what do you feel?
I feel a happy, tingly feeling.
I feel like a bird, soaring through the sky, so happy and carefree.

When you hear bad gossip about yourself, what do you feel?
I feel red-hot anger, building up inside, wanting to scream so loud.
I feel the urge to punch someone, hard.

When you kiss someone, what do you feel?
I feel comforted, like that kiss confirmed my warmth and safety.
I feel in the right place, with the right people.