Route 7 Review | Page 48

No Option To Own BY Jacqueline Jules Cancer tiptoes into the house, dressed in black, carrying a flashlight and a bag. Every moment thereafter feels stolen, a treasure waiting to be returned, Nazi plunder hanging on the wall. No more breezing through hallways, ignoring mirrors framed in gold. My reflection surprises now— diaphanous, discarnate— yet really no different than what it was before. My life was always a canvas painted with a brush I did not hold; art to admire or disdain without the option to own. Jacqueline Julies is the author of the poetry chapbooks Field Trip to the Museum, published by Finishing Line Press and Stronger Than Cleopatra published by ELJ Publications. Her poetry has appeared in over 100 publications including Sow’s Ear Review, Potomac Review, Inkwell, Gargoyle, Innisfree Poetry Journal, Little Patuxent Review, Third Wednesday, Imitation Fruit, Connecticut River Review, and Pirene’s Fountain. She is also the author of 30 books for young readers including the Zapato Power series and Never Say a Mean Word Again. You can visit her online at www.jacquelinejules.com.