The irresistible reverence for a creative mind,
an equal admiration for a simple curve.
Just one. Brimming with content satisfaction.
Maybe multiple curves,
maybe rosy bumps on her face,
maybe glinting metal on her teeth,
a mere reflection of someone significant.
Maybe tangled or matted or oily hair.
Maybe freckled cheeks or knobby knees,
or man feet.
We are beautiful.
Exactly the way we were meant to be.

He invited me to come see his play tonight. It should have been lovely.
Instead I pulled over on the side of the highway afterwards to sob.
His parents were all there. All four of them.
One waved sheepishly, one looked on disapproving and another was surprised.
The last didn't look at all.
I cannot say I blame them. I did break up with him for a second time two months ago.
I don't know why I am so fickle.
Something must be wrong with me.
This was a mistake though. I will not go anymore. I will not show anymore.
I subject myself to sadness like this because due to my guilt I feel...
I deserve it.
He messaged me after the show to find me and say hello.
I had already hidden behind the crowd and ran out the back door to my car.
After holding everything in for a while,
tonight on pacific coast highway under the glimmering street lights,
with the ocean lapping up the tide,
in my car on the side of the road,
I let go.

Dripping stars and tainted smiles,
And here I'll dwell for a while.
A silver ladder with a rusted glow,
and I am on the lowest of the low.
My world once full is running dry,
like the endless tears that hang from my eyes.
And gloating time ticks and ticks,
my bones may break by stones and sticks.
A plastered expression drawn on my face,
that no man or lover may efface.
And here I stand all alone,
a tattered being an empty groan.
The only hope clenched in my hand?
Is this distasteful ladder on which I stand.
My only path sipped from my cup,
at least now I may only rise *up!

I ran home tonight in the dark.
I spoke softly tonight in the dark.
I am broken tonight in the dark.
I feel as though I am not living.
He is the only thing I hold on to.
And yet, he is not even mine.
One day.

An iced train sitting on a rusted track,
the inside fogged with discarded air.
Passengers sit and stare,
with blank expressions and empty hands.
I grasp the door handle,
but it will not open,
and I am afraid I will pull too hard.
A fire arises in my cheeks,
pink and rosey in their pout.
A wave of confidence surges through my deathly cold hands.
I must push forward.
I must escape or drive this train forward.
But what is one to do when stuck in ice?
I must wait for my shell to melt.
Cool drops of water,
slowly unraveling my cocoon.
I will emerge powerful.
I will save myself from harm.

A wild fire.
Dripping paint on an open canvas.
Colorful, inspiring, vibrant.
Breathing life into art.
Bold. Strong. Straight forward.
Her words powerful. Her thoughts matter.
She was born a leader.
Her eyes deep pools of water,
far more lies beneath the surface.
Silent laughter, searching eyes,
she is tough as nails,
but her compassion runs deep.
Socks her best friend, and food her true love.
She is beautiful and she knows it.
An unforgettable character,
beloved like an old classic.
Challenge her, support her,
she carries herself without conflict.
A memorable person, and a best friend.

Love,
Sara Ashley