adolescence

12 going on 13

and I am shy, stumbling, and just other

and you were everything that I wasn’t -

bold and lithe 

with blonde hair, sky-blue eyes and

a smile that could wilt a flower (and a force of will to match)

and you always smelled like watermelon candy

sweet and summery for a desperate palate like mine.

Once, walking home from school

I got cat-called because I always looked older than I was and some men thought that gave them the right to shame my growing body - 

(as though my new breasts were a reason for their wildness)

and you took my hand and squeezed it as you crossed in front of me

now on the side that faced the street 

(to protect me or hide me, I never knew)

and I’m sure I never told you I appreciated you

and I know I never told you I loved you because

I was only 12 going on 13

and 

you 

were 

everything 

I wasn’t.

Dead Poets Society (1989) dir. Peter Weir

snoopy encourages you to buy a new book!

Mineral Meadowcore

Watercolor On Cotton Paper

2023, 22"x 30"

Purple Poppies

Amethyst

Barn Owl  ✮

Be the reason people still believe in good intentions, genuine energy, and gorgeous hearts of gold.

𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗂𝗇𝖾𝖽 𝗀𝗅𝖺𝗌𝗌 𝖻𝗒 𝖠𝗋𝗇𝗂𝗆 𝖲𝖼𝗁𝗎𝗅𝗍𝗓