My discomfort smothers my throat A phlegm pooling deep in my chest Choking my words as I try to say them My cheeks burn My lips crack and bleed as they say your name Which exists in a puff of condensation Bridging the gap between us Kissing your chin, your cheeks I can see your […]

For the scent of the wicker chairThat has lingered with me for fourteen autumns.For the way the wind shufflesThrough the three panelRusted screens.For the woven blanketDamp from last night’sOctober rain,And the shuffle of newspapersWith crosswords from thePrior census.The moments like this,With the hues of red,Warm against the brisk fall wind,Kissing the coffee mugWith mom’s pale