five haiku not about you
or the last ink of it

Let’s forget the cost of breath
spent saying words unmeant.
–Ne Me Quitte Pas

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wrists of other men
dashed with sweet oils and cologne
never smelled so stale

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solitary queen
swaddled in smoke, kingly sheets
sleeps alone, dry cheeks

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a familiar jolt
voice cutting through cold speakers
ruining my date

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bitten lip, hands slick
seek solace in wet shudders
I stifle his name

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Africa made me
I stare in mirrors, find Her
in my lips, hair, skin