During our recent submission window Ava Grosland submitted a poem called Swansong. While we enjoyed the piece, we provided Ava with edits. Ava didn't like the edits. We went back and forth for some time, discussing our reasoning and where we thought the poem shined. Shortly after, Ava followed up with an edited version. We returned with additional edits, discussing ways we thought this draft could be streamlined and strengthened. Yet, we reached an impasse and Ava was unsure where to take the poem.

So we decided to publish all three versions, showcasing our editing process. We thought it paired well with Paige's 35mm photograph. We'll let you find which version you enjoy most!

‍Swansong
My parents just celebrated 20 years
A Mexican restaurant, the two next to me are on a first date
My neighbor just went out with her crush
He took her hand to help her into his car
So many miles away, the guy in the supermarket is buying flowers for a first date
All dressed up in his suit and tie, he’ll make a good impression tonight
Taylor found Travis
Zendaya and Tom are still going strong
Brooke and Sam are the denotation of forever
Mille got engaged so young
Cassie and Nick found the one
It’s each other
The couple on my bus are holding hands
They’re so damn cute
Oh my goodness, empirical evidence
Of the invisible string works its charm
True love is still the American swansong
True love is still my swansong

‍Swansong
My parents just celebrated 20 years
A Mexican restaurant, the two next to me are on a first date
My neighbor just went out with her crush
He took her hand to help her into his car
So many miles away, the guy in the supermarket is buying flowers
All dressed up in his suit and tie, he’ll make a good impression tonight
It’s each other
‍
The couple on my bus are holding hands
They’re so damn cute
Oh my goodness, empirical evidence
The invisible string works its charm
True love is still the American swansong
True love is still my swansong

‍
Swansong
My parents just celebrated 20 years
A Mexican restaurant, the two next to me are on a first date
My neighbor just went out with her crush
He took her hand to help her into his car
‍
So many miles away, the guy in the supermarket is buying flowers He’s meeting someone new today
All dressed up in his suit and tie, he’ll make a good impression tonight
The couple on my bus are holding hands
They’re so damn cute
‍
Oh my goodness, empirical evidence
The invisible string working its charm
A mystical sentiment
Lingered longer in the air
‍
And deep down, at least
We knew
I found my soulmate
I found an enamoring that rings truly true
‍
True love is still the American swansong
True love is still my swansong