I want to hold you in my mouth

Like a secret.

My lips, sealed, will shroud you in darkness.

Sometimes you’ll move to remind me you’re there

warm tremors on my cheek and tongue.

Sometimes you’ll sleep for months

curled up in the cold corners of my thoughts.

Sometimes you’ll grow and choke me

like a wild thing.

Always I’ll want to spit you out.

Francesca Tomlinson