The Ring

By Katie Hong

I bought it because my hands looked unfinished,
because silver means something to people who notice hands.
The jeweler said it would age beautifully.
I wanted people to forget I had fingers without it.

I practiced talking with my hands,
the way people do when they're certain,
the way I wasn't. 
I couldn’t stop adjusting it

At the meeting, I left my hands on the table
knuckles up, like a small declaration.
No one mentioned it.
That meant they noticed.

Then one Thursday, I forgot to wear it
and still took up space at the table.
My hands still worked
The reassurance I was looking for
was never in the silver

Katie Hong is a high school student based in Seoul, South Korea, whose love for poetry is surpassed only by her passion for baking and spending time with her puppy, Loki. With a gift for words and a keen eye for detail, Katie weaves intricate tapestries of emotion and imagery in her poetry, inviting readers to embark on self-discovery and introspection. When she’s not immersed in the world of poetry, Katie can be found in the kitchen, experimenting with flavors and textures to create delicious treats that delight the senses. With a zest for life and a boundless imagination, Katie is committed to sharing her voice with the world and making a meaningful impact through her writing.