I wrote these from the same well spring of emotion, down by a river. It seems fitting they be rendered side by side.

This love that flows
Beneath my skin
Simmers into golden light
Roiling shadows
Rise to match its height.

If I’ve ever touched you-
With my tongue,
My arms,
My sweat-
I’ve hated you, too.

The stories that writhe
Within this Vessel
Scream out for succor:
“Witness me you fucker!”

I hate you.
I hate you.
I hate you.

I love you.
I love you.
I love you.

I’m sorry.
Please forgive me.

No matter how real
This – shit – feels
I’ll take back
The egregore’s mask.

Thank you.

I often resent my humanity, an ever-present entity that seems hellbent on keeping my experience tethered to the ground.

Every day I push through
The veil, anew
And the world keeps churning-
“WhO sAiD yOu CoUlD bLeEd?”
I AM my permission, Salome.

If this human organism I’ve been gifted were not so heavy, would I ever learn to fly?