From the Anthology
Breaking the Silenceby John C. Polles
You asked the color of
my eyes — blue or green?
I told you they changed and
you repeated: They change.
We laid in bed together
my head on your chest.
You placed your right foot
gently on top of mine.
You called me beautiful boy and
ran your fingers through my hair.
I moved it out of my face
and tucked it behind my ear.
Your hand again found
mine, our fingers extended.
I think you liked how
snugly yours fit inside.
You told me mine felt soft as
your thumb explored new terrain.
The rough skin felt
warm against my own.
Then you went home and
said you’d come back.
Then you left me with
my newly electrified body.
Then you left — but
you never did come back.
And what was I supposed to do
except try and wash you off of me?
Author Bio
John C. Polles is a freelance editor from Northeast Ohio. A graduate of Kent State University at Stark, he previously served as Editor-in-Chief of Canto: A Magazine for Literature & Art. His poetry has been published by Kissing Dynamite and Nightingale & Sparrow; his short story “Lovehandles” appeared in Luna Negra and was excerpted by Fusion Magazine. You can follow John on Instagram @johncpolles.
