Submissions by icespearqueen (Lyss)

Another fire drill; we’re freezing in our pajamas.

Whispers: “I wonder if there’s a real fire?”

Rumors: “Do you think someone was smoking pot?”

They float in the cold air, spreading like the flames that aren’t burning inside.

I stand there, bored.

I shout out, “Oh, God! I can see flames in the windows!”

Screams, cries, and then laughter can be heard.

“That wasn’t funny.”

I know it’s not funny.

The fact that we’re standing here, gossiping in coldness, stuck in a routine, is the real joke.

Sorry that I...

I can only taste
the laughter

floating swiftly through the air.
Whispers of breath trail gently
upon my deprived and aching skin.
With one fingertip, you trace
a path of possibilities across
her uncharted map of flesh.

I can only stare
secretly

through my hair cloaking desire
as I focus on you playing
and twisting sparkling strands of beauty.
I waste wishes on false faiths
that you will love me with braids, mazes, patterns
of pleasure and presence.

I can only stare
silently
and imagine your pliant...