by Maude B.
Teresa is burning
a prairie grass talisman
I had hidden myself
well worn and tattered
now with no weft left.
In retaliation, I dream.
In visions, I drag her
around the cloister
hard by the habit
but she’s always falling
down in fits and waves
as I am about to pounce.
Because I avert my eyes,
I offer her my cheek.
Though no one hurts me,
I continue to kneel with
a soft gaze, palms clasped
crimson cheeks ablaze
and here, finally realize
I do not get to decide…
I do not get to decide!
****
Maude B. is… around here somewhere. Traces of her can be found in Sabr Tooth Tiger, Spectra, and Kindness Report.