Something for you
by Ivy Alvarez
Bearing the smell of paper on her fingertips. Ink in her hair. Listens to a candied stranger. Lingers over his too-short neck on a cordwood body. Axes might bounce off him, ringing up shocked arms. Nightly he feeds her line after line of honey. Numb, and dumb, she lets him.
A girl in a dark cupboard chews on paper. New splinters under her nails, she loses the ink from her hair. No respite from tenderising knuckles. But for alcohol, that is, his own cheap aftershave. In the garden, clear nectar falling on his soft, dark head, he lolls insensible. Lifting it out of the loam, the rock feels pure in her hands. Looking at him, she knows sugar is not sweet enough.
A girl in a dark cupboard chews on paper. New splinters under her nails, she loses the ink from her hair. No respite from tenderising knuckles. But for alcohol, that is, his own cheap aftershave. In the garden, clear nectar falling on his soft, dark head, he lolls insensible. Lifting it out of the loam, the rock feels pure in her hands. Looking at him, she knows sugar is not sweet enough.
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Author's Note
Part of a chapbook of linked poems, 'what's wrong' (Wales: The Private Press, 2004), about Ann and Bill, and a relationship that goes from bad to worse.
Other stories by Ivy Alvarez
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Well, yes. I like the broken syntax of the opening. That adds an anxious layer. A very effective tone. The compression of the piece allows the imagery to stand out. I like this piece, Ivy. It's a good one. That should be a great collection.
Thanks so much for your comment, Sam. I appreciate your careful reading. :-)
Interesting images here.
Thank you for your comment, Cami. :-)
Lovely work, Ivy. Looking forward to your collection.
Thank you for your kind words, Meg.