Alyx Chérifa Taounza-Jeminet

Keep
Dripping

You know those ice sculptures, ephemeral stances for luscious parties. Rectitude amidst the inevitable crashing down.
Discard me.

Shedding crystalline drops, maybe your favorite thing. Clear and pure and desperately scrambling not to melt away.

Keep me safe.

Sharpest edges start blunting, visions blurred through salty shaky pools, I can't see my face anymore.

Keep me safe. Your hands around my face, covering every inch, confirming the reality of every pore, crack, sores.

I see you. Only you. Through fiery fingers. A true meaning.

Shell or ice.
Slipping away and diminishing oh so quietly it's more like a candle thought to last the night.

At some point, the darkest hour of course, I will be gone.

Hold my breath for your hands only can keep afloat a sinking heart. Keep me safe. Towards the windy shore.