the bay, marshes, and a reason to stay

walden freeman

dear leslie,

i have learned
to trust my worth
and juggle my veins
neck to feet, heal my heels
linger like applause
condone, come undone
start over, you know . . .
no blades could ventilate
these overheated
and overused lungs
of mine
my wounds have been licked
and my noose unwound
and untied, the finishline
has no photographers
no view better than
your backyard
so full of fireflies
like a jar
formerly a door
for a room going dark
i'll miss you when you move to the city
you put me in charge of having your back
and i just couldn't cut it

love(,)
the author of this