Melissa Kosswig

Nothing is quite as perfect
As the heavenly expectant pause
Before two mouths join together
And in satisfied revel, withdraw.

I drank in the solitaire of meager fortunes
While my wicked mind spoke of beautiful things
The power of searing persuasion roared like
A shimmering tempest

I threw my dreams into the sea
Hoping they would rise into the clouds
And shower upon us like rain

Dripping with love, falling with hope

I want to hold my hand to the open wound
To be the cure and the healing -
To write love on her arms instead of death
And to offer faith instead of hopelessness.

Rest my love, rest with me tonight
Let out a breath and a trembling sigh
While I stroke your hair
As tears come falling from your eyes

I’ve poked and I’ve pinched
The flesh of my skin
I’m never satisfied with its shape
I’ve squeezed and I’ve lifted
With belts and with bras
Trying to hide all these mistakes.

I’ve cried…

Oh how I wish to be a little girl again
a bleachy-blonde straight haired darling
running, splashing, spinning, twirling..
barefoot, standing with her mouth open, curling

your words stick to my fingers like syrup
they taste maple-sweet as i lick
the remainder of your sentences from my lips.

When fair October finds me
I will be awaiting him,
With cups of steaming cider
And the crunching of
Autumn leaves beneath my feet.