melisma

 

you cover that floral couch skin

taut as upholstery

pull until pigment gives

way to film

 

I scratch your arm

sticker sniff what rubs away

 

I feel your chicken pox

scars gummed under everyone’s

thighs slick with cane

juice and tiny ants

 

every phrase is melisma

every dress is backless

sultry

 

maybe you’ll divert me your time

via reception or fridge crisper

 

I could do a dance reek

a conundrum cut celery

dip with convex fingernails

forget your cuticles are edible

 

but I only just

sat down

 

 

Eleanor Chandler lives and works in London. You can tweet her @eleanorchandler.