"Pretty Woman: On Beauty & Belonging " by Ada Limón

Sometimes I want to feel forgiven for loving the obvious; like how that makes me obvious, too; like how my favorite flowers are roses, and sunflowers, and sweet peas. Ordinary beauty. Simple things.
 

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On March 23, 1990, the movie Pretty Woman came out. Five days later, I turned 14. I saw it in the movie theater, the local one in my hometown of Sonoma, CA, Sebastiani Theater. I brought a note from my mom because it was rated R. I loved each of its 119 minutes.

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One year later, I would have my first boyfriend: a very kind, very smart, very funny guy. Later that summer, I’d have my second boyfriend, and I’d fall very hard into a young relationship. I’d spell a love letter, “I love you, I really due.” And I’d cry a lot.

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