Poetry by Emilia Djordjevic

Edited by Jordan Magee

I dream pink bubblegum

chewed tasteless in its wrapper.

even pale I imagine a sweetness

on my lips, jewels cradled in its nest.

I pick it up, noting chew marks preserved as scars

cracks like wrinkled talons, pressed as stone, amber-heavy

each bite a spelled repentance. 

in heartache or in woes, each tear shapes a 

sorrow wanting kindness, heartened by aged regret

and time, yearning to stretch out and let go. 

I caress its whitened plumes, its threads appealing,

cherished like a prized pearl, it gleams in ease and smiles

restless feathers returned to calm, unveiling a vow to be relistened,

as in its heap, though mangled and spoiled, it is whole enough 

to say, I love you. 

moved by its touch, I hold my hand to my chest,

now a silent vow between us, sworn in like two doves

held bound by tender kisses.

oh how sweet dreaming,

and then

                    I 

                         wake 

                                      up.