UnderOn topBehindIn frontThe chairOur bedThe floorYour mom’s houseYour aunt’s tableOn the mountainUnder the starsIn the rainBetween hums and high notesMoments muddled and wearyIn the calm quelling the chaosI want you-Melissa Donley
Month: June 2025
Snagging for Scraps
Assure meYou’ll catch meKeep the promiseKeep the beatAnd the heatAnd when I reachWill you be there?When I disengage and distanceMy self, my light, my joyFrom you, the world, and myself,And when I reachAnd when I don’t reachWill you be there?Will you pretend I said nothingOr tell me to move on?Out […]
Minute Man Stagger
We have these sordid daysDry rising dirtBlossom tendril crackWind burn smellThrough lace up skinPronounceConsumeSay go onMinute man staggerEvening overLeave withDingy morning secretHereThereI grow mealy-Melissa Donley
Wilt
You look like you need a hug.Then your rizz glides outWith a heavy drawl of ego.I am reminded your favorIs conditional uponYou always being right.Common as your peers,I see your nervous tics.Maybe you do need a hugAnd to know thatYou have nothing to prove, thatYou can take accountability, thatYou are […]
Signs
If you ask, I’ll say I don’t believe in signs.The world is a jumble without reason, always,We notice what we seek.But, if you knew the way I treasuredFerns and buffalo,Constellations I cannot name,Great songs on the radio,Perfect timing of green lights on my commute,And steaming tea before the world wakes,You’d […]
22 Down
I don’t make the A team. Or B.I am a 3rd string alternate,A standby,On-callIf needed.22 seconds of play time each season,Take my uniform.It’s not me, it’s you.-Melissa Donley
At The End of This Universe
When only our skeletons remain,I will collect constellations with you,Stitch The Big DipperUnder my right orbital socketTo match your little one.Stretch SagitarriusAcross our spinesFor strengthAnd bind PolarisBetween our sternumsTo always knowThe way home.When we are spun anew,I will find youBy the stars in our bones.I will find you.-Melissa Donley
Thump
Thumpthumpthump, thuuummmp – -, thuuump – -, I called and called for information, almost left my family, almost hopped on a bus to see you, how was the surgery? Ole ticker still ticking? I sent you a care package. Apple butter and homemade bread. You loved it.Thuuummmp – – -, […]
2 Minutes to Truth
10 years past,A 1 minute phone callTo apologize for 3 years of heartbreak.Do I not deserve more?Another minute to tell meHe is rejoining the church.There it is.I am one man’s checkboxOn a list made by anotherTo join a sacred clubThat still tells womenHow to dress and to serve.He must still […]
Sweet On Me
Linger between dreams and dew dropsa while longer, darlin’. Before the drapery burns with day,grant my loitering trespass, temple to toe. My bite may wake you,but how can I resistwhen you are so sweet on me?-Melissa Donley