DICKINSONISMS TWO, FOR THE PROLONGED AND MOST SORROWFUL ABSENCE OF MY BELOVED

     I
The Bat has turned his Hands to Wings—
of this, Science proclaims—
his Flight a Palping—Chaotical—
Chiropteran—his name—

But just as well, Dear,—by your Touch—
I have known such Delight—
Chiropteress—your hands bear, too,
Traces of Flight!

     II
I once thought Love was dearly had—
I thought—I’d traded All—
The Ancient tale—when lived, forgot—
Of precipitous Fall—

But now I roam with empty Hands,
What magnitudes I hold!
This substance where all Voice resides—
That clouds and birds enfolds—

Then Love I traded—Burdens for—
And Cold—and Sorrow too—
And you gave Loneliness—and now—
We make a gladsome Two—

Let’s seize this bargain—do not ask—
Whom did we swindle so, thereby?—
But take one more Crumb of Spaciousness—
A line of Poetry—

Alecia Sakharova is a resident of Rockwood, MI. She spends all her time with her dogs, her wife, her garden, and the work of Emily Dickinson. She has recently had work published in Detroit Lit Mag, and Rattle.