umami fish in dead cold
sticky rice clings to
gum. take another slab– tell
yourself you are the
ocean, that you will
chew through sea-
weed.
(originally published in Hobart, Winter 2018)
japan
Blizzard
wind like a taiko
along the crown of palm
I shiver with the window
(originally published in Vine Leaves Literary Journal, Issue #14)
Aketeko
soft purchased lumber. even though
inside I rub my hand along the surface
and feel the splinter
and wait
for a worm, for a prayer,
for modesty beyond a simple thanks.
underground is four thousand miles deep.
i walk afloat at zero
and wait for your wails
to wake me up
(originally published in Oxford Magazine, March 2015)