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Best Chances<br />
Ashes of masks lie upon the ground<br />
and with a glance backward,<br />
I see the prison whence I came.<br />
Beacons of my past still stand in the rubble:<br />
Distraction. Suppression. Self Shame.<br />
I know the foundation they were fastened in:<br />
Others have it worse.<br />
To live a lie is easier.<br />
You’ve received what you deserve.<br />
Deep breath.<br />
With closed eyes I turn my back<br />
for the last time.<br />
“You have arisen from those ashes,” I say<br />
and see the words of others on display:<br />
‘For in that sleep of death what dreams may come.’<br />
‘I am normal.’<br />
‘We all deserve our best chance.’<br />
I am reassured.<br />
The nobler path of mind’s been taken<br />
and I, now-Olivia, may proceed<br />
towards my best chance at happiness.<br />
Forever shall I mourn those now-lost years<br />
when such a rogue and peasant slave I was,<br />
so fettered by society.<br />
But for now and future moments,<br />
best chances are for everyone.<br />
So I rise<br />
and bravely embrace<br />
this new world of authenticity<br />
through these purified new eyes.<br />
Best Chances is inspired by the coming out video of Ingrid Nilsen, a YouTuber who urges all to chase their own best chance.<br />
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