This Morning
By Ashley O’Hare
This morning
I got out of bed
because he cannot be victorious.
Last night’s nightmares came
from the dread in my head
of my last first kiss.
I lie to myself
that my wounds have healed,
but I still feel the sting.
If only I could forget
about my childhood dream
of a prince with a ring.
I know it is time
to grow up—
I have seen the signs.
So I’ll lie again to the mirror,
stand up straighter,
and pray that it will get easier with time.