I met a girl
who, like me
in her early teens
was lost for love
and filled herself up
with forgotten names
as hovering, breathless faces
left her empty.

I met a girl
who claimed to be
the huntress
skillfully tracking
fair game
through clever words
and skillful fingers
now sticky with regret.

I met a girl
like a whisp of smoke
easy in the breeze
the evidence long-settled
like yellowing
soul stains
as her secret sadness
campaigned without purpose.

I met a girl
who hid it well
with rich laughter
and hardening lines
time framed eyes
who finds comfort
to recall
it hurt… but she loved it all.