I dreamed I lived in Hollywood

I dreamed that I was thin

I dreamed I had long flowing hair

I dreamed of flawless skin

I dreamed my body dainty

And my eyes immense and blue

I dreamed my chest a booming C

And my pants the size of 2

I dreamed that I was prom queen

I dreamed a handsome king

I dreamed that I could dance well

I dreamed that I could sing

I dreamed my closet boundless

The collection truly divine

I dreamed my bedroom mammoth

I dreamed all of this was mine

I woke up disappointed

Recalling none of it was real

But tonight when I dream again

Someone else’s life I’ll steal.

Amy Piacenza grew up in Waterford and now lives in Groton. She is the library media specialist for Ledyard’s elementary schools.

“I wrote that poem probably junior year of high school I believe, so that would have been 2006/2007. My mom held on to so much of mine growing up and she recently pulled that out,” she said. “It’s interesting to read it now that I’m 30. I think it was a reflection of how myself and so many young girls feel, and sad to realize that the pressure teenage girls face has only increased with time.”

The Times is offering local readers a chance to share their poetry written during or related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. To contribute, email times@theday.com.