Two By Holly Day

Why I’m Still Her(e)

           

When I tried to leave

you came to me and held my hand

called me your love, told me you wanted to fuck me

that was all it took

because I’m easy that way.

I remember thinking

halfway through

that I really should tell you to stop, I mean it

I’m really going to leave this time

but the flickering of the overhead lights was too distracting.

The endless rumble of passing trains

lightning and haphazardly-thrown buckets of rain

kept me close to you, even after that night

it still feels like a sign.

            Of the Long Way

I’m in love with the lonely ones, the hairy jungle children that watch

from beneath the wide spread of green leaves and vinery, clutching rocks

smeared with feces and coconuts meant for throwing. Angry and violent

they are wrapped in thoughts of consequence and self-loathing.

There is a Heaven waiting for them, someplace safe

from people like me. If they come close enough, I will give them

duct tape and gauze to heal their wings, teach them to walk upright

how to act worthy of God. There are stars waiting for them, just past the clouds

once they remember they can fly.

--Holly Day