i am
after Joy Harjo’s “I Am a Prayer”
i am messy dancing when only i’m watching
i am
i am unbearable generational ache
i am
i am a pause between lips after a first kiss
i am
i am brushing your finger against a worn copy of The Lightning Thief
i am
i am the fear of being alone
i am the look in your eyes when “Dancing Queen” by ABBA comes on
i am two cars left in a damp strip mall parking lot
i am
i am tender shirt seams after many washes
i am
i am catching myself by surprise in your gaze
i am
i am crying at the ending of La La Land
i am dancing with you in a mismatched kitchen
i am the slight shift of a hug ending
i am
i am the snag in your tights becoming a run
i am the smell of grease in your clothes after sitting in Nguyen’s Kitchen for far too long
i am the first bite you savor and
the last bite you save for the one you love
i am
i am
i am
i am
i am