it was a good kind of cry though.

the kind you need to feel.

the kind that makes you feel alive and alone.

all at once,

in seven shades of blue.

Not all roads in life are straight. Some have hiccups. Some have turns. Some bend and threaten to break. But no matter the time or the pace, we all land in the same place; slowly but surely.

In a debut collection, Aparna Ray shares free verse that lyrically explores all aspects of love, her coming-of-age journey, and the joys and heartache that surround close relationships. While encouraging others to allow themselves time to heal and grow through every experience, both good and bad, Ray reflects on why someone seems to be created just for us, the fears that come with a last kiss, the empty eyes and callous hands and tender glances and shallow words that tug at the heartstrings, and why we sometimes choose to embrace pain rather than love.

slowly but surely shares poems from a young voice that explore the vast emotions that accompany the opening of our hearts to love others and ourselves.