I watch your eyelashes
when you sleep, jealous
of how far they extend,
curling like decorative
wrought iron gates. What
do you dream when you
lay your head on my
breasts rising and
falling with the rhythm
of our synchronized
breathing? Your lashes
flutter with every exhale,
and I imagine it is me
you see in your visions.
I remember you once
threatened to cut them,
and I met you with glue
over my eyes—that
I could see what you see,
dream what you dream. I
caress your short curls
behind your ear. Cast
your burdens onto me, dear
love. The world cares not
about us, our desires, our
hopes, our pain, but together,
ascension is possible. So
dream on, and let me blow
on your lashes and watch
them shiver in the night.
© 2017-2023 Nortina Simmons
Originally published February 16, 2017.
Welcome to Day 16 of Black Poetry Writing Month (aka BlaPoWriMo)! BlaPoWriMo is a month-long challenge to write a poem every day during the month of February (Black History Month) related to Black history, Black people, or the Black experience.
Today’s optional prompt is: Write an ode to a lover.
Nortina's Writing Inspiration Well 