I’LL COME HOME ONCE I’VE COUNTED THE STARS

graphic by kayleigh woltal

but i think it’ll take a while.
my spine melting into the
rain-slick earth as i count off each
star on pale fingers
until i take root in the soil
my veins tangled and
bulging with honey sweet nectar
each mark on my skin a new
petal for you to prise apart
in the name of love
my heart a bulb which sprouts
each summer
only to be crushed
under careless feet