(with thanks to the Cocteau Twins)
seems like only an iceblink
since we were teenagers
head over heels and
exchanging milk and kisses
on a plaid couch in
your parents’ basement.
our breakup stung like a
calfskin smack
and left me in a
cherry coloured funk
but you’re such a treasure
that i forgave you.
now we’re seekers who are lovers
and you make me feel like
persephone
always torn between
heaven or las vegas.
Allana Stuart is a writer of poetry and fiction and a former radio journalist at Canada's national public broadcaster. Her poem "The End of the Line" won first prize in Prairie Fire Magazine's 2021 Banff Centre Bliss Carman Poetry Award Contest, and was longlisted for the 2021 CBC Poetry Prize. Allana's poetry has been published in a variety of Canadian and international literary journals. She lives in Ottawa.
Painting by. Dmitri Cavander