I know this because of science.

My heart beats
I know this
because of science
I can feel it
I can check a pulse
through my wrist
I know I am alive
and I know I have a heart.

I can hold my breath
and let it out
I know I have lungs
I know this because of science.

I am alive
I can type
I can write
I can read
I can because of education
shared knowledge
because I conformed
to the standards of this civilization
I am alive here.

Knowledge
that of what I read
that of what I’ve been taught
I’ve been told
I’ve listened
and I equate this here
to be the only living realm
there is no me
anywhere but here
and when death comes
that’ll be it
nothing to answer to.

I do as I must to live
and accept myself now
and to leave this place
a little un-wrecked
shouldn’t that be our goal
to be better for those that will be
when we no longer are
instead of preparing for a journey
that’ll never come to fruition?

Thanks for reading.
-Temperamentally Tina