Other People's Words

I took other people's words
Stuck them on my wall.
I could love them forever
Live on the sweet sap seeping
Through their rough bark.
I can't feel anyone's life anymore.
Arms full of heavy coats
Can't keep up with their carefree steps.
Wolves on the horizon, and I'm
Wishing for an elephant, strong enough.
I have nothing to give, to leave behind
Except the words on my wall.
Other people's words.

by E. M. Soos

Slug

The day couldn't eat me up
Like yesterday. I sit still
Under the sink of dripping shells
Bury myself a new life, eat the slug
Crawling under my skin.
Don't let me follow you home
I just might stay the night.
Wrap my arms around your feet
Drag my heart out of your soles
Leave the closet light on for the prophets.
Hate me so I can't be with you
So you don't come into my house
The doodling on the wall
Colors men wearing yellow skirts
Swinging clubs at each other
Laughing at Sin's clenched fist.
Hug me though, one last time
As I swallow this bug
Slime and all
And drink to you.

by E. M. Soos