changeling

Harriet Rowes

charcoal is the aftershadow
of fire it fills the insides like
            sand. After they bring me
back I lay and dream
I am the sea
eating the shore

and yes while there are days
of being alight in wondergood
            (and yes while you sit around
on my bed and do nothing)
somewhere there is rot. somewhere
something changes. somewhere

in the language and the shape
of change, there is a list, titled
Things You’re Meant To Do
(when someone does
            that sort of thing).

anyway The Killers are on
(and it’s a banger) hearts up and
            down. that night to the
sound of The Killers things are made
good again.
            come into
my kitchen and make it good
            just like you did.
come into my dreams and make them big
again, honey.

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Harriet Rowes is a writer and historian from County Durham. Their work centres on the intersections of sexuality and working-class identity. They are currently completing an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Essex. Instagram: @harrietrowes.

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