Charm for ablation
Look for birds migrating out of season
black arrows in flight
clouding above train lines
and follow their path until
your legs refuse to carry you
Kneel to dig a hole no bigger than a lamb’s heart
and bury a piece of silver
from the matrilineal line
with blood from your ring finger
a drop for each generation – reverence is key –
and ashes from a list of former lovers
Cover the soil and drag yourself home
wherever that may be
pick the mulch from your nails
drink black tea
and wait
In slumber, you will see yourself
sleeping, rooted
in a bed of pulsing flowers
and hear a voice say,
‘no matter if they are on this earth –
alive or dead – this body is your own.’
Before waking with these words
on your lips
their meaning fading
and your mind
deliciously clear
black arrows in flight
clouding above train lines
and follow their path until
your legs refuse to carry you
Kneel to dig a hole no bigger than a lamb’s heart
and bury a piece of silver
from the matrilineal line
with blood from your ring finger
a drop for each generation – reverence is key –
and ashes from a list of former lovers
Cover the soil and drag yourself home
wherever that may be
pick the mulch from your nails
drink black tea
and wait
In slumber, you will see yourself
sleeping, rooted
in a bed of pulsing flowers
and hear a voice say,
‘no matter if they are on this earth –
alive or dead – this body is your own.’
Before waking with these words
on your lips
their meaning fading
and your mind
deliciously clear
Jennifer Brough is usually writing, editing or reading. Outside of these wordy pursuits, she is learning Spanish and dreaming of Mexico. Her poems have most recently been published in Pussy Magic, Mookychick and Blanket Sea. She tweets at @Jennifer_Brough.
