sun-kissed skin
breaking into fine lines
etching, multiplying from one to many more
gathering in golden rays
as hair turns into
whispering white
is my longing
not raw enough
to dip this silver mane into richer pigment
to reenter the cocoon
and burst forth a butterfly?
grant me alchemy
to rescue the youth abandoned in my heart
and gift me empathy
to understand why the little girl hid away
a devoted observer,
like a single leaf
clinging to a barren tree
regret burns brighter within me
wishing to turn back time
to moments where I could have been wild and free
yet here, I face a warm reminder of dreams unchased
sitting in this sun-kissed skin
Stacy Ogbuehi
Grade: 12 / CEGEP I
NorKam Senior Secondary School
Kamloops, BC
“I wrote this poem to explore the bittersweet theme of youth and our tendency to postpone joy for later. So often, we impose unconscious restrictions on ourselves, whispering doubts like, "I’m not pretty enough" or "I’m not smart enough." These thoughts leave us feeling frozen and isolated, keeping us from fully embracing the vibrant experiences life has to offer. As we watch others—seemingly ‘perfect’—live their best lives, we can feel trapped in our own bubbles of self-doubt. It’s heartbreaking to think that the choices we make today could haunt us tomorrow. When the years pass, will we truly understand why we didn’t seize those fleeting moments of youth? That’s why it’s so vital to live in the present, to embrace each moment with mindfulness and determination. We owe it to ourselves to make the most of what the world has to offer, to let go of our fears, and to truly live. Life is too precious to postpone our joy, and every day is an opportunity to celebrate our existence. Additional Comments: The creative process often needs refinement, and writing this poem was a truly new experience for me. In my journey, I had the privilege of collaborating with Kyo Lee, whose work inspires me on so many levels. Her poems are filled with emotion and depth, and knowing she’s about to publish her own book is just incredible. I reached out to her for feedback, and she generously shared her wisdom and tips. I can’t express how grateful I am for her support and encouragement. This experience has touched my heart and fueled my passion for writing even more.”
Bio
Stacy Ogbuehi, a Grade 12 student, channels her imagination and personal experiences into storytelling—through both writing and spoken word. She believes that stories liberate our innermost selves, guiding us toward a world of greater freedom and possibility. When she’s not writing, she’s immersed in the pages of novels, always seeking new inspiration.