ayley gives voice to the roots of struggle and pain growing up, as well as the love and pursuit of self-acceptance that were fundamental in her own choice to live. Her verses weave a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant-through shadows of the past and the fleeting moments of joy captured in the simplicity of sharing an orange.

"even when you think there's nothing left

life gives us oranges

so go share one with your best friend

maybe they thought the world would end

when they were 16 too."

-- from save me an orange