Preface Dear Readers, Poetry, like life, changes and takes on different meanings and directions as we change and grow. Each of the poems in this book demonstrates that process of change for me. From a young adult's perspective, these poems create a sense of the world I lived in and embraced. Whether it was failed romances or learning to love my body or embracing my role as a powerful woman, each poem is a symbol of that realization. I could tell you that what you read in the next 100 pages will be encouraging, uplifting, and inspirational. I could also tell you that it will be angsty, depressed, and hopeless. Both are true. This book is about a journey, specifically, my journey, though I hope to share it with all of you. I have found that life is full of beautiful surprises, but also full of challenges. It's full of love, but also heartbreak. Culture, but also ignorance. My hope for this book is that it painstakingly reflects life, from the perspective of a 19-year-old woman. One thing I expect to be noticed about this poetry book is that it is in 5 parts. I ask that you consider each part to be a stepping-stone within our journey. They are broken, but reassembled, scenes of the life I have been witness to and a part of for the past nearly two decades.