Bittersweet 

By Sheyla Javier

Starting a new chapter in your life can seem overwhelming. As I’m flooded with emotions, I’ve learned that goodbyes are a way of welcoming what’s to come with open arms.

Bittersweet

Pleasure accompanied by suffering or regret

Bitter
Feelings that have been swimming in pools of new beginnings for quite some time now
Goodbyes circling the drain of what I always knew
Time really does fly by
I wish I had paid attention when they said that
I knew it was coming
It creeps up on you
and stings like a cold sore
The faces I’ve seen everyday have grown familiar
Nostalgic moments come flooding in
Ones I wish I could’ve taken in more
After all
Nothing lasts forever

Sweet
Sheer bliss oozing like honey
Devouring my fear of the unknown
Growing out my roots
Making way for new opportunities to bloom
Welcoming hellos greet me around the corner
As I turn the page to this new chapter of my life
A part of me always knew
What was meant for me
Was going to be good

Feelings of happiness and sadness at the same time

Bittersweet

Process

I was inspired to write this piece since I was experiencing this feeling of “Bittersweet” firsthand. As I’m about to graduate high school and start college, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect and think about how I’m actually feeling about starting this new chapter of my life. As everyone around me has been asking this burning question as well, I was torn and couldn’t quite decide whether I should be feeling sad, happy or both.