appealing

The Maynard
Fall 2019

Angeline Schellenberg
0:00
 
 

I hold your ashes in my hand

or I believe I do—
hidden as they are
inside a heart-shaped locket.

Heavy as a finger across my palm.
You speak loud as lavender.

I am babysitting the betta fish
your husband bought after you died—
in blue because you love it.

Before I sleep, I watch
its tail. The flick, a heartbeat.

Whenever I leave my driveway
brake lights stare back at me
from your window.