"i was thinkin' about yesterday, when you asked me why i stayed, with this, and i didn't answer you. i didn't answer you, because i don't know why i stay. nova?" "yea?" "would you like to run away with me?" {cover: @guyswithguitars } highest ranking: #21 in Poetry || completed || "shoot for the moon. even if you miss, you'll land among the stars"

these poems are for the lonely, forgotten, the lost poets at three am, and everyone else in between cover credit: -sidjenkins

After the accident, Noah Archer built a wall around himself. But Riley Dawson is curious about him, and she's determined to meet the man behind his defenses. ***** Riley Dawson has always noticed Noah. He was the most popular guy on campus, until he lost his parents in a car accident. Now he's withdrawn and silent. Mustering up the courage to give her condolences, the two end up talking, and Riley grows determined to help Noah find himself again. Every time she coaxes a smile from him, she can feel the ice around his heart melting. But Riley knows that Noah's loss is still close to him. She's opening up her heart, but can Noah do the same? He's got so much to lose, but now, so does she. [[word count: 70,000-80,000 words]]

❝ she won't be a damsel in distress nor will she be someone as important. but she'll be there to redress your wounds and swab every hurting scar clean. she'll scare the hell out of you, but she'll keep your demons at bay. she won't cry pretty, but at least she'll try to cry all of the guilt off. and she isn't that easy on the eyes but her words will cling to you like a battle armour, fending, protecting. she can be your savior if you let her. ❞ → #5 in poetry [12/28/19] → featured in 'Summer Workshop 2016' as 'Talk of the Workshop'