Over the years, she tarnished. She knew how to contour her once plump youthful face , , but not a book in which her soul was caressed. She knew how to look k in photos, but she can't smile if a camera, a person or a drug isn't around. Sometimes she swears she sees herself, 8 years old, in her favorite t-shirt, rolling down a grassy knoll, scraped knees and all. Once a fairy, dragon, a a sergeant and a dweller among the stars. l * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *