on certain days

Poetry by Millicent Sharman

Art by Adela Lynge

on certain days you hold my hand a little tighter than usual. this

I always remember, though there is much I tend to forget.

 

years ago, I read a poem in which Neruda describes the moon as

teeth against the gums of the night. in the night, my soul 

becomes teeth against the purchase of my bathroom mirror. I tug 

at uneven locks; put my eye daringly close to the glass,

bask in an eyeball’s rotundity. I feel the emptiness of 

my palms, and question why every dream I have I soon forget. 

 

that day on the bus, your hand closed tightly around mine again.

I don’t remember why or when, just the

squeeze

dance

jump 

of a heartbeat along our skin. I never knew whose it was, 

I only knew the joy of observing this empyrean

moment of softness; you were beautiful and warm.