Equal part dawn and dusk, a dash of diesel and tractor rust. A root of youth which once was mine, fleeting glimpse of that city’s skyline. One mouthful of rain, a belly full of fire, a hint of the envy I confused with desire. An ounce of misfortune to keep you on your toes, a whisper of the truth that few people know. Swift whiff of autumn and its soothing earthy scent, seven crackling leaves heaven-sent. Two hearty dollops of acute curiosity, diluted by a cup of casual simplicity. The naïve blush of an unsure teenager standing only in her panties. A smile, hallelujah on bated breath and bended knees. A spade full of soil stolen from Indian land, with six blades of tall prairie grass from where Wal-Mart now stands. A layer of dust off the library stacks, nourishment from the lunches my mother packed. Clavicle of the lover who should’ve known better, who gave only because she took, and only because I let her. Six droplets of her blood add opportunity to the mix, ground into tongue of a lawyer, or liar, and his big bag of tricks. A shot of Southern Comfort to combat any fear, and the shock of this Northern wind and my reality here. Off the lakeshore where I first learned to swim, a few grains of sand and a dead fish’s fin. Several of my obvious flaws tossed in for good measure, with the shadow of the full Moon I’ve come to cherish and treasure. Three white tears to consecrate my intention, and a fourth for the secrets I neglected to mention. Wax of a turquoise-colored crayon to bind it together, cured with the wave of an ancient Eagle feather. Not elixir, but a potion for dreams so she’ll know where I come from, and feel all I mean.
© 2017 j.g. lewis
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