My thoughts scatter like moths
search for the Joe-pye weeds. Here I am
sipping Diet relief a bottle
to be crushed. I find time–
a compression vest, straight
jacket tightened, fear pulsing
SodaStream leaking.
Daunting the release of my mind
it’s fear onto you, So might it slip through
your palms. I can inhale
the carbon electrons
of your love–
the essence a blended palette
licked clean.
When we’re home
Longing for Peace tea
I can drink your lips like
lemonade and hear you
breathing through my neck
Wondering what love can heal
but you hold me so tight
I can’t stop shaking light
Plastic fiz, sipping you–
my whole life. Heart, king
of my blood. Whimpering
at the warm taste
of your liquid lightning. The Clymene
waits for me
to swallow the
scintillant apple whole.
Em S. Austin 