Daniela Neira
Go and Stay
1. safe, take cover
because I am ticking unstable
and tipping towards sharp
edges and I don’t
know where the end is
or if the end is empty,
and I’m the only one left
pushing against the
shadows that want to
quiet the world back
to hushed waters and
night. Go and stay
2. with your granny
who is mature and tidy
and knows how to juggle
plates without letting them
pile up dirty and chipped
and sour. Her lavender
hair and yellowing teeth
will teach you ‘home’ and
if you die of apathy
at least you will die
clean and your grave will have
stained glass blessings.
Go and –
3. rest because you’re bored
with me and my conversation
ran dry weeks ago.
I’ve been wandering sand-mouthed
while silence washes over
you, eroding your peace.
Don’t feel bad; rest
in the waves of chat
with real people who know
real things. Go
4. in from the rain –
you’re soaked and sad
and I see you – I’ll send someone
with hot tea and blankets
to stumble through your
errands, but you –
go home. Go and stay.
because I am ticking unstable
and tipping towards sharp
edges and I don’t
know where the end is
or if the end is empty,
and I’m the only one left
pushing against the
shadows that want to
quiet the world back
to hushed waters and
night. Go and stay
2. with your granny
who is mature and tidy
and knows how to juggle
plates without letting them
pile up dirty and chipped
and sour. Her lavender
hair and yellowing teeth
will teach you ‘home’ and
if you die of apathy
at least you will die
clean and your grave will have
stained glass blessings.
Go and –
3. rest because you’re bored
with me and my conversation
ran dry weeks ago.
I’ve been wandering sand-mouthed
while silence washes over
you, eroding your peace.
Don’t feel bad; rest
in the waves of chat
with real people who know
real things. Go
4. in from the rain –
you’re soaked and sad
and I see you – I’ll send someone
with hot tea and blankets
to stumble through your
errands, but you –
go home. Go and stay.