in the absence of your body the moonlight kept me warm

by Shayan Shariff

1 

and what of it 

someone asks if we’re coming of age 

and i don't know 

we talk of quantum states and love 

and i dream up a wanton superposition 

how much longer can we go on like this 

and i don't know 

tell her i wasn't scared 

i keep my feet on the ground and yours on my neck 

2 

long dark hair 

cupcakes (of the carrot kind) 

whispered breaths in empty classrooms 

I see you 

her voice feels familiar 

like a jagged memory of REM-induced schoolyard trysts AK in one hand, the other holding mine 

you don't have to be afraid anymore 

you brought me gasoline and I couldn't keep it down Do you forgive me? 

3 

we find ourselves in closed fists and lilac trysts 

in the gazebo you keep me warm 

christmas isn’t far off now and this prescription bottle romance will be taking its leave on Her arrival 

but tonight is the night after Halloween 

close your eyes 

your mouth is an open wound 

there’s a blue moon in the sky 

once twice thrice upon a time 

don't you dare fall in love with me 

there’s a blue moon in the sky 

and i'm making a wish

---

visual by Manal Ahmed.