Painted Pigeons

I feel as if there is a sludge within my kidneys
Wet cement just waiting to harden
Until I am unable to bend into any other shape
Than the broken husk I am now

The canaries that once flitted about
Ripped a hole through my side when they abandoned me
As sharply and swiftly as you
And my linen curtains are all that covers me

I almost hope this cement dries out
Because I don’t think I could hold any more sunshine
In this cavernous hole you created within me
The windfall would only remind me of your [f]lying
Wings used to stir up feelings I thought I’d killed off

I told myself years ago to keep my windows locked
In a world where all that shimmers can be sold
So I can only blame myself for letting you in
And trapping you here to make a mess of my home
 
 

Rebecca Thrush lives and works in Worcester with her partner and their cat Penelope. She couldn’t follow a recipe if her life depended on it, but loves to make vegan copycat meals. Her current favorite book is The Anomoly by Michael Rutger.

Poet/Photographer Jennifer Matthews’ poetry has been published in Nepal by Pen Himalaya and locally by the Wilderness Retreat Writers Organization, Midway Journal, The Somerville Times, Ibbetson Street Press and Boston Girl Guide. Jennifer was nominated for a poetry award by the Cambridge Arts Council for her book of Poetry Fairy Tales and Misdemeanors. Her songs have been released nationally and internationally and her photography has been used as covers for a number of Ibbetson Street Press poetry books and has been exhibited at The Middle East Restaurant, 1369 Coffeehouses, Sound Bites Restaurant in Somerville and McLean Hospital.