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.

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