Among the Beasts & Briars

by Ashley Poston

“Never let anyone make you feel unworthy. You deserve the moon just as much as anyone else.”

Just because you are born a gardener’s daughter doesn’t make you any less worthy than someone born into royalty.”

Daisy sat quietly by the fire, knees curled up to her chest. She held the crown in her hands, and the firelight caught the leaves, spinning pinions of light across our camp.

You aren’t alone, fox. Burdens are meant to be shared.

“Thank you for worrying about me.”

“I like you, too.” “Even though I’m trouble?” “Especially because you’re trouble,”

You trekked among the beasts and briars,

hurt her so badly that it hurt me in a place I didn’t know heartache could reach.