One day I will wilt
And melt back down to say hello to the dirt
And so will you
And so will everyone

And once we were strangers
Once I didn’t even know the rhythm of your voice but
Now I know the bones on the back of your neck
I know their shape better than I know my own face because I’ve never seen my own face
But I’ve stood behind you countless times
And stared at the bones on the back of your neck

And at this moment I want to forget them
The things singular to you
The way your bones have chosen to line up
The way you have chosen to walk past me now

Today I saw you hanging over a girl who wants your skin and
It feels like the most words you’ve ever said to me
She is thin and has long hair and looks nothing like me
I am hurt in a classic way
In the way it is easy to mistake a knife for only a kitchen tool

In your gaze I have existed like a shell of myself
At times I only ever wanted to exist in your gaze
Always loving like a tailor
Melting my fingertips off to fit most comfortably

Even now I would welcome you again
Open my arms like a well
Tell you to take all of the water
I am not thirsty

But you are hung over a girl and she wears you like a top
You are never coming back

I saw her tuck a pencil behind her ear and
For a moment I almost did the same
Generations of women taught their skill is in their ability to adapt to a man
Will you accept my love if it fits you right

I think it’s best that I turn to the sky
Unafraid of being large
She has swallowed us whole and not once said sorry

Watch the clouds that dance without partners
And take notes
Learn how to speak without editing
Learn how to stop basing my worth off of someone else watching
Bloom
And search for something better

Selfishly
With clear intentions
For me and me only

—By Cassandra S., 17, Florida ♦