blessed xenia

let's love one another

even though it makes us strange.

as this smile bubbles up from my chest

i am drowning in reverse.

and good, that slow drip creates such a tense atmosphere

but every heart is calmed by running water.

let's not hold back anymore.

fear

he asked me, "you're scared?" the words, inflections
flecked with disbelief and nonchalance.
i found my tongue and lips in motion, saying, "perpetually."