Some say books are just an array of words lined on a paper

I disagree

I see the importance of standing up for myself and my beliefs

 because Kazi taught me never to submit to anyone

I know it’s okay to find comfort in stories because Poppy and Tessa do the same

I know I don’t have to change myself for anyone,

because Jem taught me that the right person will love me

despite my flaws

I learn never to let a man control me because Jude never let anyone control her

I find joy in putting pen to paper because Lucie taught me

there’s nothing more powerful than stories themselves

I learn the importance of letting no one make my path for me in life

because Inej carved her own

I laugh whenever I see a duck,

because Will told me not to trust them

I look for the humor in things because Jesper taught me 

it’s always there if I’m willing to see it

I am not afraid

because Sam wasn’t

These stories, these characters are what made me.

Their pain, their laughter, their anger all settling inside me

Their words, their actions different pieces of a puzzle

that creates me

Their worlds, full of kings and queens

Death and darkness

Betrayal and trust alike

All blending in into my mind

creating the most beautiful melody 

of different colors and sounds

Their intelligence, their love, their passion flows into me

fusing into my heart

You see,

books are not just words written on paper

They pave the way for dreams and aspirations

They bolster beliefs

They are divine creations

Heroes and villains alike merging to make the most riveting world

They are what make me whole.

They are my world.