Megan

“It still comes as a shock to me how irreversible life is. How there's no going back to whatever version of me existed before I saw that movie – the kind that switches me on to new streaks of consciousness by showing me a woman I feel strangely, formerly, acquainted with.”
― Durga Chew-Bose, Too Much and Not the Mood: Essays

“Flirtation –

After all, there’s no need
to say anything

at first. An orange, peeled
and quartered, flares

like a tulip on a wedgwood plate.
Anything can happen.

Outside the sun
has rolled up her rugs

and night strewn salt
across the sky. My heart

is humming a tune
I haven’t heard in years!

Quiet’s cool flesh–
let’s sniff and eat it.

There are ways
to make of the moment

a topiary
so the pleasure’s in

walking through.”
― Rita Dove

“But even if this seed grows, even if the body lives, breathes, flourishes, there is no guarantee of reciprocation. Or that you’ll ever see them again.”
― Caleb Azumah Nelson, Open Water

“How many versions of happiness involve a smile? Are determined by feeling fulfilled?”
― Durga Chew-Bose, Too Much and Not the Mood: Essays