In 20 years, I won’t remember
the lady that sold me my favourite magazine
and called me babe.
How it uplifted me briefly, and I didn’t know why.
In 20 years, I won’t remember
all the names of every pet I ever had
growing up; I’ve already had too many to count
on all of my fingers and toes.
In 20 years, I won’t remember
why I wanted to get my nose pierced. Whether
it was to look more like my mum,
or to annoy her.
But in 20 years, 40 years, even 60 years,
if I’m still around,
I’ll remember that you caused electrical storms
inside my stomach. Even on the nights
where I just sat on the floor in silence
because I was busy staring into your eyes,
finding inspiration for this very poem
and the next thousand that I write,
those I know will be about you.
Indya Shaw resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her small family and two pets. As an only child, Indya spent the majority of her spare time reading novels and poetry, and she believes this influenced her writing style today. She hopes to publish a book of her poetry in the future. Her work can be found on her blog throughouthenight.tumblr.com.
Cassoday Harder is a twenty-year-old photographer inspired by youth, femininity, and summer. View more of her work on Flickr or visit her website.