Bittersweet Breeze
written by: Embee Riley
She spent the whole life fighting
fighting her past
fighting the world
fighting herself
Here on the shore, there’s nothing to fight
not anymore
She looks out to the waves
gently rolling to her eyes
but immense pressure inside
The sea breeze upon her skin
she deeply breathes it in
She knows why she’s here
she feels what’s to come
Face painted with tears
her body lay numb
She sees in the waves
each child’s face
She sees in the sky
Clouds of ghosts passing by
She tried and tried
but her body grew tired
She battled to stay
Fighting the pain
Until the wind whispered warmly
“it’s okay”
In that moment
there was peace
The sun shone brighter
Her chest feeling lighter
Softly closing her eyes
for the final time
Embee Riley has been writing to process difficult emotions since a child. They have used this art to express their depression, grief, longing, and silver linings of hope. They emphasize the importance of genuine, raw emotion in everything they write with the intentions of reaching others who may be seeking to be seen. Writing is healing and they hope to heal alongside their writing community.
Latest posts by Embee Riley (see all)
- Bittersweet Breeze - April 25, 2026
- Home Is - January 5, 2026
