"Portrait of First Crush in Shades of Pink" by Julia Blike

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quartz is downy dreams of velvet palms. bubblegum

is hallway sprints to your side. garnet is hot

chocolate hugs. peach is hushed confessions

from flushed pink cheeks. blush is moonstruck dances

and jukebox love letters. punch is your holy mouth

speaking my name in the same breath as you erase me.

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Julia Blike (she/her/hers) is a poet and fiber artist currently living on Abenaki and Wabanaki Confederacy lands. Her work engages with and celebrates softness, the power of quiet, and the many ways in which trees are better than people. You can find her on Instagram @juliablike.