how to

let’s say a butterfly
strokes your palm with its dusty feet, ok?
 
it can feel good, see?
  (yes
        the lacks are easier to write
the ache to clench
to keep            )           keep still
 
he holds your skull
you lick his teeth  

 
butterflies don’t like closed hands,
get it?
 
 
 

Aleda Bliss is a writer, actress and graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Her work has previously appeared in Chronogram. She lives in Brooklyn.