ASHLEY - POEMS

Ashley hails from a small sunny island proudly known as the Little Red Dot and holds an uncanny penchant for all-things pink. One day, she hopes to dominate the world in a princess dress and sparkly tiara - because who ever forbade warriors from dressing in style too?

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Winter Wishes 
​

​You peer through the frosted windowpane, 
index finger extending to draw
diaphanous circles on frosty, damp glass
 
The once misty world comes into focus:  
 
Blankets of white drape over stockade fences, 
ashen powder lines crumbly bark and brittle branches;
The cold of December 
has never looked so inviting. 
 
You wish you could leave your mark on the world,
dotting the snowy sheet with your footprints,
as you traverse around with your tongue stuck out between chapped lips, 
lapping up every tiny patterned popsicle that the sky has to offer.
 
You hear a muted squeal of joy break
the silence of dawn through the pane 
That separates you from an infinitude of insouciance, 
Denying you the innocence and bliss you so desperately crave 
 
You stifle a tired yawn 
Before swivelling back to the lighted screen - 
You finally understand why they say, 
"You don't know what you have until it's taken away." 
 

Advice from a Tortoise
Poem in response to Advice from a Caterpillar by Amy Gerstler

​Although fragile at the start, you will
get stronger as your bones calcify.
Understand that you are worthy –
this is why they yearn to hunt for
your meat and carapace.
Crawl solitarily sometimes,
but make attempts to find company
when necessary.
Patience is a virtue,
but you will learn to master it.
Guard your armour with your life
for it will serve to
confuse, shelter, and protect.
Let them cut the chase and
fight for their place,
But always remember:
Slow and steady wins the race.