After Therefore Because of It
by Cassie Schifman '18

When I think of you
​
I am

Standing at the edge
Of the sort of cliff for which cliffhangers are named
Surrounded by dozens and dozens of
Roses
That are not exactly roses
(Because that would be far too cliche...)

I am

The slope of the rocks
Lit by the orange of a setting sun and
Full of more brightness than
Gold
Dizzyingly distracting and daringly drastic
(Like the way a graph curves into waves...)

I am

Dancing starkly against a night
Which manages to be exceptionally
And perfectly dark without being devoid of
Stars
So that I feel purposefully misplaced
(Like the moon against a blue sky...)

I am

A boat in the water
Silhouetted against a vastly endless sea
Which repeats itself over and over and over and
Over
With the entire world in front of me
(As if it were mine for the taking...)

I am

The ocean before a storm
Tense with the possibility of an unturned page
Sinking further and further but entirely unable to
Drown
As if I am only a cloudy petal
(Which can do nothing but float...)

When I think of you

I am something rose gold
Drowning in stars
Over and over and
Over
In short
(When I think of you)

I Am