I pale in comparison
To the girl in the photo
Who is alight with
The promise of things to come.
Who doesn't yet know real love
And so doesn't know real pain.
Whose skin and soul are pure
And without scars.
Whose faith in humanity
Is yet to be tested.
Who has yet to discover
The best
And worst
Parts of herself.
The girl in the photo
Is fading over time.

So how do I still
Pale in comparison?