The Backporch Review 2022

But two had skin made from the melted bones of the earth.
They could be stronger, they were indestructible.
They were graceful, delicate, soft;
They fought off every shadow that moved the wrong way
Chasing away hands that turned stomachs
They warded off shapes on walls that plagued an overactive imagination.
As you get older, comforts and fears are less infantile.
You feel less of a shiver. More of a racing.
Thirteen year olds aren’t afraid to sleep anymore
There is no longer cold stinging wind, you drown.
Dolphins carved in steel aren’t swimming, they’re just art.
A sculpture no longer anywhere to be found.
The morning air welcomed me through an open window as I thought:
“I’m fifteen today. I’m fifteen today. I’m fifteen today.”
So suffocated I didn’t notice until I heard the rustle of a printed photo
A toddler who turned fifteen today in the loving arms of her greatgrandmother
Two pink dolphins dancing on a silver chain around her neck.
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