Smile, Beautiful
In the morning i put on my war paint. I draw lines beneath my eyes with charcoal, Made of broken bones, cooked above a fire. Infused with the screams of the dead, The screams of my mother as she said no, The screams of my sisters as they fled. I…
Childhood Friends
TW: sexual harassment, graphic harassment, disturbing imagery, mentions of rape Childhood Friends Yesterday I remembered my sexual harassment. I stood on the cold floor of my work’s new building, cushioned pads beneath my feet, placed there in hopes my bad ankles did not give way during business hours. My…
There Are Spiders In My Eyes
Sometimes there are spiders in my eyes. I see the black shapes skittering across my vision, prompting me to turn, ready to leap away from the foul creature before it got too close. But they aren’t there, they aren’t scurrying across the grey fabric of my hand-made couch. They aren’t…
Time to Go to Bed
Time to Go to Bed by Lauren Hemphill (quick morning warm-up) It’s time to go to bed. I hear the words in my head, Echoing, spiraling, devouring my dread— Or devoured by it? Who can tell, The lines are blurred, the ringing bell Of the match’s end sings loudly as…
The Song of Sins
When mist rolls in from darkness, Remember the lashes that bled him, My darling of sweet and honey. Hei ya o yea a-hei o When my dashes bring me to Taolyn, I’ll bring the slashes to tea, And watch the slaves of honey. Hei ya o yea a-hei o Eivor…