my organs are rotting
from the inside.
all i can do is rip
them out, feathers
in a pillow. bones pop.
all i can do is throw
them in the
trash, smile.
teeth fall. i count
them one by
one. tangible proof,
two grams each.
hide in the bathroom,
try to stay
safe. the kitchen is a war
zone— please stay away.
don’t touch me, get away
from my lips. my stomach
fell apart, shriveled up in
fear. i perch on the
dining room chair,
afraid. don’t
come near me, please
go away. forks, knives
are only weapons, even rice cakes
taste of death. family dinner,
a nightmare.
Charlotte Covey is from St. Mary’s County, Maryland. She is currently studying Creative Writing and Psychology at Salisbury University. She has poetry published or forthcoming in journals such as The MacGuffin, Night Train, The Summerset Review, and Mochila Review. She is co-editor-in-chief of Milk Journal.
Cassoday Harder is a twenty-year-old photographer inspired by youth, femininity, and summer. View more of her work on Flickr or visit her website.