"Equilibrium" by Trey, 16 | July 2022

Life beyond its maxim,
Its balance is in shambles,
Water capsizes one’s boats,
While emotions shipwrecked my mind,

My emotions swirl just like the waves,
Help... I’m drowning past my equilibrium,
The raindrops pool around my ankles,

Smothering my bare feet,
Until shrouded in liquid guilt,
I lay down hoping the pressure
In my head will dissipate,

The water keeps coming down,
Pummeling my almond-shaped eyes,
Just like the leaves surrounding me,

Temperatures may lessen,
Yet the intensity increases,
I am comfortable here now,
Why would I ever leave?

About the artist: My name is Trey, I’m 16 years old from LaCrosse, Wisconsin. I’m at Northwest Passage as I was walking a dangerous path in life. I struggle with self-acceptance in everyday life, so I use photography to cope. Before I did photos I had a destructive mindset but photography is helping me realize I’m worth it.