gold trophies covered in dust on the top of the bookshelf
faded ribbons and medals hung from colored push pins
military memorabilia scattered like spider webs across the desk
the empty piñata dangling from the ceiling
an open window with tattered curtains blowing in the air
a door that won’t stay shut

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Alyssa Harmon is working on her master’s degree in Creative Writing at the University of West Florida. She published her debut poetry book, seven years, last year, and she has also published poems in several print and online publications, including Merrimack Review, Minerva Rising, Shaking the Sheets Magazine, and Odet Journal. You can find more of her work on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter @alyssa_harmon_.

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