Pauper

Heavy and foreign as a lead weight

I want to hold you in my hips until the day I die

(secretly)

coat soft pink with soft metal

insides slicked with your poison

laying in the sun until my body melts

with you in it

How long until death graces the land again and trees bow,

cracking and white,

in his presence?

I wish to shape myself elegantly, catching your heart

on a silver tray

or in the slow blink of a rose at dusk

When, last night 

I took in your boyish musk and decidedly gathered my clothing

I held my breath for the card-trick sense of control

and heard yours quicken with graceless abandon

(One of these days)

One of these days

You will spin your silk chalice

You will stop disappointing me

and I will sit watching your translucent cocoon vibrate in ripples from the force of my anticipation

But

for now, my darling

there is nothing I can do

So I tighten my chest around the absence of religion

I clench my fists, grappling for ignorance or belief,

hoping either one will shroud you

and your helplessness.

Reviews

[Gerald Parker]

Tell me, why 'Pauper'?

[Gerald Parker]

I might be misunderstanding this, but it sounds like some sort of sexual disappointment - am I right? I love the metaphysical breadth of this, from the intimate cocoon-like smallness to your angst-ridden place in the expanding unfathomable scheme of things. You will go far.

[John Lauterbach]

Love the imagery and language choices. There's fantastic originality in the combinations of symbols and how they work together.

[Aisha Mnd]

I loved how this was written and formatted. Though it was vague, it was a delight to read. I especially loved the ending where you've written, "So I tighten my chest around the absence of religion"

Good job. I'm looking forward to reading more of your work. And thank you for the friend request!

- Aisha

[John]

Seductively vague. Although, I think a few key words here and there gave it away.