• Vol. 06
  • Chapter 01
Image by

Shards of Cherry Blossoms

I fortify the foundations of my mind,
shellac the cracks to keep the ghosts out,
but I will always be breakable.
I paint my eyes with shards of cherry blossoms,
pull the aching memories from my belly,
weaving them into the soles of my feet
to make myself hollow,
but the weight of grief stains my hands.
I hide the burdens of sorrow behind my teeth,
sew the taste of loss into my tongue
to keep the truth imprisoned,
longing to feel the fullness of being alive,
but I will always be empty inside.

1