Short – Undusted Corners

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A pair of fading bruises the size of thumbprintspaint my inner thighwhere you once marked me as yours,though you were never mine. kfw 2024

I claw at the ragged edges of sleep,curled up in a ball on the cast-off loveseatat the end of my bed,while you sleep soundly, legs akimbo,on the mattress. What conversation is there to be had?What rest is there to gain? I loved until my lungs were bruised.I loved until my blood ran clear. I’ve nothingContinue reading “Arnika”

“Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”

“But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head,,,” – Psalm 22:6-7 (KJV) They assemble—day after day—singing, praying, swaying,living spectacles,seeking miracles,signs, wonders,the Holy Spirit pouring downlikefire. In lieu ofContinue reading ““Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?””

swear no oaths

her schoolwasn’t made for ascetics—you try keeping a vow of silencewhen participation is a quarter of the grade—still, she told herself, “if I can just keep quiet,I won’t talk myself out the door.” kfw 2023

On all the little altars

Where the saints are grāmadevatās,and Jesus, a bodhisattva,I bathe youin my tearseach night.Each dayI scrapemy calloused fingersas I string,string,stringjasmine,marigold,oleander,to adorn your memory. kfw 2022

thrums

and thereare thosemeantfor passing-throughmerelyfor passing-through gentlygentler, still. for passing-throughmy handsholding my handsholdingthemloosely,looser, still. turning and turning and turningevery thread of my love, my love, my loveinto the warp and weft. kfw 2021

abscission

The last leaves fall like reluctant fledglings pushed from the nest. We stood beneath them as they were birthed in the Spring, budding forth a silent audience to our entwined unburdening. Now they rest beneath my feet, holding a hundred and one unspoken griefs; gently releasing them as I walk away. kfw 2021

Proprioception

My body is sore from all the placeswe twisted ourselves into —tangled together across the reclining seat at the end of your sofa. I try this morning to read a book, but my mind wandersto your lips on mine — your breath in mine — its rise and fall and catch —the way you moveContinue reading “Proprioception”

hinges

She tells me10 minutes a daymight help — of mindfulnessof meditation — I rememberbefore leaving bed this morningknowing that if not nowI may not have a chance,The house is neverthis quiet I set the timeron the appand try to sitthe wayTeshinshowed usin the zendowhen I chaperonedthe kidson theirneighboring faithstrip,though I know I’ve got the armsallContinue reading “hinges”

Preemption

All the thingsyou’ve grievedbefore they’re gone—The tears wept in advance— Come. Place them on the bier. We’ll set them out to sea,Aflame. kfw 2021