Elliot

• Helayna Harris , Grade 11
• Poetry
• 2022

From the mahogany armchair, she watched.
The silver strands that fought so desperately through the heavy curtains,
illuminating the downwards nature of his lips, pale and icy. The whispers of coffee and smoke that pirouetted through loose-leaf paper.
The self-inflicted blemishes, revealed with the fall of his favourite sweater.

From the mahogany armchair, she remembered.
Dribbling ink, scribbled confessions.
The beauty of the moon, reflecting on the faces of love.

From the mahogany armchair, she cried.
Flames of hunger melted inches from his waist. And his smile.
Youth hidden by sunken cheeks.
One last kiss.
Crumbling lips of white ash.