The Aftermath

Floral Tryptych | Iona Patrick | Painting

The Aftermath by Allie Cain

Like a lingering bruise, I feel you.

Blue, my lips like the ocean

They kiss you, but your eyes are

Green or gray or chocolate,

Your hair golden,

Your hands strange.

Like a lingering bruise, I conceal you.

Brown, your skin like roots

These bodies like gravity

Tell them I am steady, spinning around your house

Seeking comfort under your tongue,

Finding the bitter taste of old habit

In my head, the years are passing

Like a lung, time is collapsing

I need you to breathe

I need you to breathe–

I won’t open my eyes

I know what I’ll see.