my name is
alyssa, and maybe it means
'hold your breath' or
'chase the stars.' maybe it is
that awkward shyness
of saying hello to someone
for the first time
or the warm feeling
from hugs and held hands.

maybe it means
'maybe my wishes will come true,
someday' or maybe
it is the sound of the wind
caressing leaves and the lullabies
of wind chimes, or maybe
it is the voice inside your head;
the shade of moonlight and
comets.

maybe 'alyssa' is a synonym
for hopeful and dreaming and
'full of life'. maybe it is the rush
in your ears while running,
the challenge of catching your breath again;
the music of wishing and the thrill
of living.


or maybe my name is just
alyssa
and maybe it only means





nothing.