Poem by Rehema Ivan
Art by Karen Zhang
Two names live on my tongue
resting, twirling, clashing
Both call.
Speak one.
Swallow the Other.
Let her pierce my mouth as I draw lips closed–
Let me smile at you, red running down my chin–
Let me not cry bringing you and me together;
Nor sigh, driving me and me a part
Only recall
Rehema, they are not knowing us.