What is bounty without dignity?

What is twenty without broken expectations

and a room of unread books?

What is adoration without disappointment?

What is perfume without denial

and worn-out escape plans?

What is watching God if we’re watching each other?


Carly Jane (she/her) is a junior at PSU studying psychology. She recently won the Mihelcic Poetry Award. ln her free time, she hangs out with her four cats: Pearl, Beatrix, Dean and Sammy.