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--
January 15th, 2026
by Alicia Fox
Forests are sometimes a scary place to be. The boogeymen creeping gently, amongst the frosted trees. Sweeping up the icy leaves. They move mysteriously. Floating in the mid air, Waiting to fall and consume me. The leaves break, as I step to the edge, of a river, covered in thin layers of ice so cold. It burns and kisses my soft pale cheeks, leaving a pattern of red lipstick behind. I shiver when I see a reflection of the self I tend to hide, all the time. When I look up, the sky grows dark as the stars form constellations. Only I can connect the dots without a chart, so I can find direction in the innermost parts of my heart. If only I could wish on a star and see a glimpse of what life could be. 'Cause in my world, I struggle with who I'm meant to be.
About the Poet
Alicia Fox resides in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Read the poet's biography and Under 25 Poetry publications
on Alicia Fox's Artist Page.
Under 25 Poetry Collection
This poem is also featured in
Under 25 Poetry Collection #1,
published in the Under 25 Poetry Library.
Keywords: inner conflict, struggle, star-gazing, finding peace
Previously published in Under 25 Poetry Africa:
This is the first poem published.
Under 25 Poetry Africa is part of Under 25 Poetry and waxpoetryart.com.
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