Naturalizing Flesh - Poem
I circle you. corners
disjointed and
holding is
uneasy
pressed between my index and thumb
your resistance to be contained.
you were airless then
squashed like a bug
in my fingertips
and you blushed warmly
when I launched spitfires in your face.
finally,
night etched into my window
time was stillbirth caught
in my nails
I used to engrave cursives onto you
a l i e n
when you ask me,
“am I a part of you?”
I hold you like a crime between my thighs
my wrist
my waist
my weighing scale
and I welcome you to this land.
Bhavika Malik is a high school student from Salt Lake City. Her writing has appeared in Polyester Zine, Wear Your Voice, Kalopsia Lit, and more.