If you were to ask me who the girl in the frame was, I would be inclined to lie to you.

It would be easier to say that we’ve never shared the same space, the same bed.

I want to tell you that I don’t know the weight of her skin, that I don’t know the way she smells of rotting flowers.

and yet to deny her

to cast her memory aside

would be treasonous.

- AJ West

Petals and Poems

With envy she lurks in the recesses of my mind.

Captivated by everything she will never have.

Awestruck by everything she gave up.

Here in this discomfort

in this urge to shield myself

I will make space

a place of worship

for the girl who could have been,

should have been,

standing in my place.

ART.