Emily Brochin

Blank Verse

A midnight stroll onto the jargish pier,

under the haze-blocked night, not

cooler for a huffy breeze.

I’d wished for a palm to stroke

or a thigh to stick to mine own.

And lick the cool stars brighter.

I wish I had you

begin my memory of love.

We could have swum frozen

in the winter sea.

I tried that once, alone

though diving through

the flecked brown ice, past

the balooning plastic

bags was empty grace.

Unnecessary heart—

I beat you to see

if you still tick.