# #liquids

3 poems

## [the zig zag cafe](https://chromato.graphics/the-zig-zag-cafe)

mb + [ClaireViolet](https://claireviolet.cv/)

switchback stair  
market manicules  
labyrinth reveal  
a hanging garden

third place jazz  
no reservations?  
but what were we  
before ourselves

finishing a talk  
with your sister  
a tinctured fire  
fluid solidifies

all black pupils  
sadist’s leaning  
considering want  
freepouring both

lamplight yellow  
redlight therapy  
shaken & stirred  
cry our eyes out

point of returns  
now that we know  
the place’s ours  
last words echo.

## [violet](https://chromato.graphics/violet)

your aperture narrows  
as _f_ /our voices deepen  
sunlight burns through  
exposed cloth shutters

we made you to protect  
an us we never realized  
would be safe as she is  
it’s no decorative pansy

darkrooms reveal stains  
& splatters under safety  
lightbulb, glowing ruby  
our eyes don’t adjust yet

we have twins, don’t we?  
is it sisters, not twins?  
god, no that’s a different  
flower entirely — rosemary

## [poison](https://chromato.graphics/poison)

the black bottle kept  
just out of reach  
of those who fear  
my obsidian liquid

a toxicology report:  
deadly in large doses  
but taken with care  
the hurting heals us

sure, share a nightcap  
wince with me in pain  
we need this to sting  
no easier, knowing it

small sips are sweet  
deeper drinks, bitter  
stone fruit can’t mask  
a burning this intense

scared to let you see  
me like this — red eyes  
pierce pewter framing  
you want, no, need to

as the spirit fully hits  
there’s no stopping this  
            _drink._  
the cork is broken now