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Adrija Datta
Poetry, the ship of theseus
we didn’t tear it down
just a new wallpaper—
“Atrium White” instead of pink
the old one was ripping
heights of children were marked
that shelf is broken
it’s still the same house
we didn’t tear it down
just a new shelf—
smooth, polished oak
the old planks, cleared out—
a dusty 1940s photo album with it
the floorboards are worn
it’s still the same house
we didn’t tear it down
just new flooring—
unscuffed and golden
bruised wood, finally gone
creaky floors removed
the kitchen is too small
it’s still the same house
we didn’t tear it down
just knocked a wall through—
the kitchen breathes
new appliances, charging ports
who needs a sewing room?
that chandelier flickers too much
it’s still the same house
we didn’t tear it down
just new lights—
recessed LEDs, dimming switches
the ugly, old chandelier—
we brought it to the attic
red tiles in a bathroom are vile
it’s still the same house
we didn’t tear it down
just new tiles—
precisely laid, pale, and pristine
a red bathroom was obnoxious
my grandma wore the same red
we donated that scarf
it’s still the same house
we didn’t tear it down
guests come to visit
they admire the improvements
“wow, we can’t even recognize it!”
it’s not the same house
Bio: Adrija usually sticks to expository or analytical writing, but recently decided to try poetry. She spends her free time watching movies, particularly those of the horror and thriller genres. Her work has been recognized by the John Locke Institute Essay competition. Additionally, she dedicates a lot of her time to playing the clarinet and also loves listening to music—some of her favorite artists being Lorde, Phoebe Bridgers, and Cocteau Twins.
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