Narrow lens
I was in the paper once
It took me by surprise
To see a face I did not know
An illusion of the narrow lens
It was nice for a while
To see the possibilities
But I prefer capturing the truth
That beauty that glows from within
Take another picture please
The wrinkles can stay
Better I recognise
Who I am
-Camille Delaquise
This poem appears in RISE, Camille’s second contemporary poetry collection. Narrow lens considers the tension between image and selfhood — rejecting polished illusion in favour of a truer, more inward beauty that can recognise age, character and identity without disguise.
This poem is available as a contemporary poetry print on textured recycled card.