local_library Me and Chrysty

by DS Maolalai

Published in Issue No. 286 ~ March, 2021

we sleep alone,

turning backs

against each other. we’re fine –

it’s not a metaphor;

just how we like

to sleep. and we’ve bought

a second

duvet too –

to stop unconscious

snatching.

 

we lie

rolled over alone

and both of us

curled comfortable

in the dark blue light

of night-time.

nobody ruins

anybody’s comfort.

nobody’s body

makes anyone

warm. when we’re awake

we lie together – tangle up constantly

in each-others arms. and also

when we’re done sometimes

with sex. no reason

 

not to separate

that from sleeping – from being

comfortable together

in every way we can.

 

jesus.

perhaps it is

a metaphor.

account_box More About

DS Maolalai recently returned to Ireland after four years away, now spending his days working maintenance for a bank and his nights drinking wine. His first collection, Love is Breaking Plates in the Garden, was published in 2016 by the Encircle Press. He has twice been nominated for the Pushcart Prize.