I smeared kohl on my eyes
and wore a men’s flannel
too small for my father.
I stumbled down roads
linked arm-in-arm with
friendless, pining men,
and when we untethered
a balloon to nowhere
it was over, and over
before that line: I think
I’ll miss you most of all.
I am lifelike, covered
in crows’ feet, in corn
but in love with poppies
that felled my body once
before. In love with men
who say home is empty
but here is a lemon-drop
place that keeps taking
you back. Set me on fire,
I’ll laugh. I won’t scream
if you don’t put me out.
Cover art: “Installation Detail 1” by Siri Stensberg
