Venus

Grace Weber

46
 Garret 2020

Saying no

Stronger than a levy full of jam

is my mother’s will

Hear it in the headwinds

that newspapers print on cold days

Re-told on pots and in pans

for people who taught manners

In voices raised just beyond comfort

that urge you to obey

How is it not about winning

when I always lose?

Caved in like a rotting pumpkin

Test it on priests or queens or doctors

all surrender

Left weak, tired and tender

And still no jam

Nora Sjue

47