Poetry of Issue #7        Page 32

Apologies To My Future Self

My sincerest condolences
for the late nights to come. The 2AMs of glitter and tears
dripping from my eyelashes, the nights I will trick you
into believing you know what love is.

I truly regret
the scars you will find if you peel
back the skin. They are ugly and leave a seam, though
I pray the maps carved from mistakes
will guide you through the velvet night.

I’m so sorry
for the wasted days that will be blinded by sun and smoke.
Perhaps you won’t remember them;
            my mind dizzy with lands of leaves thick like tongues,
            soil that has never known the touch of human feet.

My dear, I apologize
for this melancholy country you bear upon your shoulders.
How the mountains must dig into your back,
how the oceans let their sorrows
trickle down your ears.

Please love, I beg, don’t let the waters drown you.
Let the world roll away, it will float like a fat buoy.
Swim to the island, I know it’s there.
I can see it from here.

  Kimbra Lauren