Only

It’s a small thing
this longing
just that
for so long it’s been
about you

or me
and now these
young women

their stories growing
in me their
voices filling
my limbs

mornings
you pull open
my fingers, unfold
my legs
and there’s nothing
nothing

but the sound
of their names
strung together
into something
enormous

I need a room
without word
or thought

where language is breath
and it’s enough

 

 

About the Poet:
Pamela Joyce Shapiro is a cognitive psychologist intrigued by memory and language. She teaches psychology in Philadelphia and writes poetry to capture moments otherwise forgotten.

 

 

Photo by Unsplash.

 

Poetry Breakfast accepts submissions of poetry and poetry related creative non-fiction year-round.  See our Submission Guidelines page for details on submitting your work.

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