As I Lay

By Lauren Kim

The flashing light brightens the room
In strobes of color
A plant's shadow projected on the white wall
The blurred outlines, a tint of purple
In the darkness, the air still shimmers
The remanence of objects flickering 
As if it is still there

The ladybug crashing to the ceiling light
Irritates the atmosphere
Failing to resist the temptation of the bright warmth
The wings flap and twitch
The legs are fragile and pendulous
It moves and vibrates simultaneously
until it is abruptly compressed by a tissue box
marking a two-dimensional print on the wall

The wind blows the light into the room
Filling it with the lustrous gleam
soon canceled out by the winter breeze
Each blow pushes against the shade
The wooden handle tapping the windowsill
Bouncing back into the room,
Its movement is ceased by gravity
The window is locked
And air pressure is now behind firm glass

Lauren Kim is a high school student with a fervent love for both poetry and visual art. Her work delves into the intricacies of identity, the nuances of nature, and the emotional currents of teenage life. Through her poems and mixed media artwork, Lauren seeks to capture and convey the beauty in moments of introspection and everyday experiences. When she’s not writing or creating art, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, reading contemporary poetry, and experimenting with new artistic techniques. Lauren’s work has been influenced by her diverse cultural background and her deep connection to the natural world. She aspires to continue growing as an artist and a writer, sharing her unique perspective with others.