Megan Elmendorf
Acquainted with Departing
I am a fish that has been told “grow legs and walk away.” I am a spirit that found its kindred but who must now move far from it. I am a heart that has grown to love this myriad cultural bouquet. I was taught to “dream big” and “go far” and always fully commit. I was brought into one family though I am from some other And I was included — embraced — with affection never counterfeit. I will find again a home, a place, a family: one after another To overcome the storms in my soul until there is a cessation I will not lose the hope that innately sings within my wonder. My heart struggles to pump within the vice grip of obligation; My tongue forms the words “I’m sorry” and “Goodbye” as a holy writ And my mind is an LED sign flashing memories like a flirtation.
Émigré that I am, my heart aches beyond what I should permit. But as I look beyond the sea and see the new isle, I know I’ll recommit.
Althea Romeo-Mark Bargain Hunt
The place isn’t fancy, but bargains are great. It’s members only, a decadent man’s Sotheby .
Objects of desire: some second hand, tried out once or twice in a weak moment, discarded like green, sour mangoes,
or mangoes, bruised, overripe. They come from every continent.
The bidders are mostly men and a few hard-faced women as tough-knuckled as their counterparts.
They prod and poke as though in a market testing the freshness of fruit.
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