Excerpt

“Nativity”

The ocean exchanges its heart for mine

radically, briefly, I mean

its right ventricle leaps

infiltrates my body with sand

washes over me and decompresses

fixes my ribs and bandages them with

softened sea shells finally

wrapped with wild seaweed

memories dip in my melanin

hung to dry at my frontal lobe

so next time

I am touched by warm wind that fills me

the fiery, fear in me crackles at my paws

embers rain from eyes

smoke cast out breath

the tide foams at mouth

oh, how I’m coming for you

life

About the Poet

Paris Jessie (they/them) is a poet and budding visual artist based in the PNW. They use words, colors, and sounds to approach the depths of being human. Experimental, soft, and bold is how they desire to explore creative necessities. You may find more at parisjessie.wordpress.com.

About the Cover

The cover is an original artwork by the poet.

Cited

“Crimson” was first published in Catatonic Daughters.