[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

I am frightened to meet you again

“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 in the tightness of your hand

We’ve never felt closer

We’ve never been so far apart