We’re thrilled to present a sample piece by Sunmin Kim ‘26 that captures the extraordinary talent and creativity within our community. Her work, titled "Pictures of Me," explores poignant memories through Polaroids on a fridge and reflects on a photograph from the past, evoking a deep connection with someone she left behind without a proper farewell.
Kim’s piece exemplifies the diverse voices and perspectives that make INK truly special. Its evocative narrative and vivid imagery offer a glimpse into the rich spectrum of art and literature featured in this edition. We invite you to immerse yourself in this work and discover the imaginative spirit that defines our publication.
polaroids
i found one the other day
you, preserved,
timeless
a lie, really
you are no longer
what you were the
day you smiled, and
your mother froze
time on a piece of film
because she thought
it was something worth saving
is it that i was you once?
or that you became me
i can't seem to decide
which feels more right
pictures of me
polaroids
there are some on the fridge
in the kitchen
they haven't changed
I pass by them every now
and then, like a test
i show you all the different
ways in which i can change
my hair, my clothing
and you don't care, never care -
you stopped caring, didn't you,
the day you were
Immortalized
polaroids
i said goodbye
to friends when i moved
i never said goodbye
to you, though
to you, i said nothing,
did nothing
and you stayed because i let you
and because it's not
in your nature to leave me
because there is no me
without you
because we were the same branch once,
before you stopped growing
and i left you for me
i tried so hard
to sever your branch
hurl your pretentious leaves
that were supposed to die
long ago but somehow didn't
into oblivion
cut off all ties but you hung on with
a stubbornness so fixed
that i realized
you really weren't ever
going to let me go.
Sunmin Kim, Class of 2026
First place winner INK Contest, Poetry
