Wonder

I am a student of the things you say.

I keep them close throughout my day,

thought not how people think. Your

gore-soaked bon mots. Your paladins

starting messy quests, godless, loud

and drenched. I leave: live well. Don’t

bring shame on the family. I do laundry.

The blood-cycle has begun. Where is

the bucket? Only when you put your foot

in my face do I find the uncanny fit to

match. Every limb you lift was inside me.

All your violent wonder, inside me.

Megan Clayton (she/they) writes and performs from Sockburn, Ōtautahi and works in higher education. Poems and essays by Megan have been published in Aotearoa and Australia.