"Because They Say What You Own Defines You" [by Kate Angus]

BECAUSE THEY SAY WHAT YOU OWN DEFINES YOU

O lip gloss, cherry
(as teenage crush convertibles parked
on the flat gray riverbed

of suburban driveways); three pens;
and solitary notebook, blue -- you
are the contents of the cave

I carry with me. Ginger
candies spice the breath; mascara
that paints my lashes

into small black fences swinging open, shut; tiny mirror
(reflective porthole where I regard no ocean other

than my entirely unblue eyes); book
I'm reading; wallet; cellphone; keys:
you are what I think I need. Black

strap across my shoulder,
brown weight banging
at my back -- when I unsnap

you, is it my hand or another's
reaching in?

-- Kate Angus

Comments

[Laura Orem]

If this is true, I'm in big trouble.