A huge congratulations to Senior, Aianna Thomas whose poem “As I See Me” won first place in the West Whims’ annual writing contest! The Rostrum has the privilege of showcasing the winning piece on the site:

As I See Me

Sometimes I look at my reflection and my imperfections are all I see. 

I get afraid that when you look at me you’ll see exactly what I’m running from: 

Me, myself and I.

I’ve been feeding up my pride, 

Just to not face what’s inside. 

Reality has never been my cup of tea-

I’d rather stay in make believe and remember

When the simplicity of your presence left me in a daze

And unafraid of what our love could be. 

I wonder why it’s so hard for us to let love set us free? 

These days my trust is gone & blown away in the wind. 

I know you wonder why I can’t let you in,

I’m just trying to figure out this thing we call life without hurting you or me, 

I just hope you see I’m being the best I can be.

I’ve been battling confliction

And handling life on my own.

Lately, I’ve been questioning what’s been sown within my beliefs, 

I’ve been trying to dig deep to find the root of why love has always been a challenge for me;

Why attachment brings anxiety;

Lately I’ve been trying to find balance on how to slowly let you see my wounds without allowing you to create more bruises. 

I’ll lay out my heart just please don’t abuse it. 

I’m just so tired of pretending to be tough, 

This mask has been worn long enough,

No longer can I hide the beauty of my bittersweet reality:

Now when I stare at my reflection I see imperfections in the most perfect form, 

I may come with many storms but the way I shine after the rain will always remind me I am more than my pain.