[Poem] Severance
Severance by Katherine Hodge You, cowering in your grey estate I, wandering, weathered through sun and storm on open grass You’re quite sure you’re outside I’m quite sure I’m in Have you seen the sky blush purple this week, friend? Will you fling open your synaptic solarium to these forbidden colors And watch, The birds shiver at this age’s end? I am patient I will wait Every now and then I knock on your stone door—not too loud— I don’t wish to frighten I miss you You miss you, too “Hello?” The windows rattle in reply “Friend?” I glance down at the wicked hearth “Hello?” Louder “Do you remember us?” My heart shakes prickled roses up and down your walls But up where hope might peek through, there is only flat enchantment Your grey grip holding the curtain closed Love only in the tightness of your hand We’ve never felt closer We’ve never been so far apart
