To an 18 year old me

I want you to know that you'll live.

You'll live through the rage
And you'll live through the urge.
You will find a way to correct your mistakes
And make them all over again.

You'll figure out what life is and then
What life is not, and then what it is again.
You will understand the meaning of purpose
And forget it like your dad forgot your birthday.

You'll make passionate vows you think you'll keep
And you'll break them like your first baby tooth.
You will live through the death and destruction
Of friendships that you thought would last a lifetime.

You'll pull a hundred strings to get things done
And watch them fall apart at your bare feet.
You will watch your body slowly drift away
Before your eyes as you look down upon you.

You'll wrestle helplessly as your mind decays
Before you take control and make it heal.
You will find solace in being alone
More than in the arms of others robbing you of yourself.

You'll live through the fear
And you'll live through the regret,
And you'll find a way to make peace with sadness
And question your fate as you accept it.

My dear, I want you to know that you'll live. I promise you, you will live.