Letting Go

By Joshua Lefort

Slipped knots and cinched waist,

Bound by your love, in death I atrophy. 

Bent and pried limbs,

I’m star-strung like Vitruvian art,

Pulled by what I never amounted to be.

For you I bleed red,

But why do I reflect blue?

I’m tired of your cold punctuated jabs,

Your cursed indifference and its desolate hue. 

I’m colourful too— 

Spark lit, flame aghast,

I yearn for a sweet death. 

Blackberries line my smeared lips,

Raspberry-tarred lungs spill a red kiss.

Heart ablaze, smoke abound,

O rid me of this love-sickened breath,

This pain-stricken crest. 

A fool, I sleep,

Daydreaming of a love I can’t keep.

A sheep you count away,

For another you will to stay. 

Screw this candle!

It won’t keep the dark thoughts at bay!

I’m affection-starved,

But you know hunger.

Need I explain?

Be selfish!

Heal and eat till your belly aches,

Feast on my bleeding wounds.

In death’s warm embrace, it’s time I rest.

By Joshua Lefort