permission to speak

voices smell quiet, corner 

of the blade pressed an inch too shallow

and i am still

full of oxygen. 

yellow to black under my pupils,

he drew holes in my dreams. a script 

without words, touch

                                       Atlantis for me

brittle, torn drawings on

the fridge. swallow my cigarette

to put it out. burned

esophagus, smoke in my heart

fills me better. desire

is distance.

- - - - - - - - -

Rebekah M. Rykiel is a poet from Maryland. She has forthcoming or current publications in the Scarab at Salisbury University, Vernacular Press, and The Shore. She is an assistant editor for Poet Lore. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and watching movies.