Bless You
by Rishona Michael
I wonder if the devil actually tries to steal our hearts
when we sneeze. Or did my auntie make that up?
Maybe I sound dumb trying to save those
who don't need saving. Every Thursday I see the same
conductor and wonder if he sees me too. I was told
to look up when holding in a sneeze. All the things hanging
were swaying. All the things swaying were limp.
All my envy has placed me here. Beneath flickering lights
holding my breath, afraid I might accidently keep
giving my heart to Satan. Lucifer like the planet Venus
I might have seen you today holding a croissant in one hand and
coal in the other. The liquid between the train tracks
hydrating dehydrated mice. I do not know how
persistent you need to be to seize your cravings
inhaling between chapped lips. But my heart wishes to
no longer walk upon cheap mirrors. Spring arrived a week ago
fresh and unperturbed doubling all the bulbs and all the snakes.
A mouse nibbles at your saliva soaking between fangs.
Protection in the mouth of a serpent provided by a serpent.