With Divers

This world is peopled with swimmers, their feet
splashing, attracting sharks, white lines where
their old swimsuits sat too snug, hugging orange
and neon pool toys to float with--

But this world is peppered with divers, and
diving bells, and descending into that
dark blue they cup their hands around
the faces of the fallen, uncommonly without fear.

My Skin and Freckles

Kenya, my sister, was always the
strong one. She dressed as a soldier for Halloween
with her hair in snappy black braids. I dressed as
an apple, floppy felt rompers in red.

A tiger chasing
a badger scribbled in crayon
on my homework.

A tiger sprawled
on a rock with arms
like noodles.

I hardly dare knock on your door;
my fingers tremble and I push my hands
into my hair, red floppy curls into my eyes;
I admire your snappy black eyes; I pour milk
over cereal and the colour reminds me of my
skin and freckles.