drag Us to marshes
I hear that's where life resides
in the thick willows and plush moss
sometimes it can't be known
if the warm liquid is
water or wasted blood
tree trunks or tumors
vines or vile
bubbles or bombs
leeches and lung cancer
all is draining
the world never stops
as You talk of trauma
and the ways
people are shredded
like They never mattered
foliage and tar
money
and You always offer to pay for Me
while the rain taps on the door
and there's paint all over Our hands
I don't know when the brushes We hold
will run out of paint
or if They'll be doused and wiped clean
before time is ready
before either of Us are ready
for marriage
however
marriage is only a word
signifying something different for everyone
whether it's realized or not
there are painted bands
on Our fingers already
and if marriage is only a word
that must mean death is too.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sasha Jade hopes to one day live up to the meaning of their name. Originally possessing a distaste for reading and writing at a young age, they grew to love language arts. Their passion was originally ignited when they discovered Warrior Cats by Erin Hunter and their flame has since snowballed into pursuing an English degree. All tales aside, they are a demiromantic/sexual, non-binary, and overall queer poet who hopes to create works where many people can see themselves and exercise their own creativity. They want every person to feel seen and safe in this shared world. If their work allows for even one person to feel spoken to, they will have had a successful career. Don’t forget: be kind, be brave, be smart, you are loved.

Contents

Our Own

ABOUT THE AUTHOR