JULIET AND JULIET

Graphics by Alexa Marie (@aleexamarie)

the l-word has never fit perfectly

stuffed carelessly into my mouth, it bulges threateningly 

i wish i could spit it out without inviting repulsed stares 

they warned me about growing pains in preteen years

about sore legs and aching breasts

         but there were never dos and don’ts for the time i tossed and turned til three 

wishing my sexuality was something i could sleep on

    if only i was into boys who reek of body spray, 

i whispered

                              maybe i’d grow up with a mouthful of love too

perhaps as lies went, this particular one was too unkind 

i swallowed your lies and i swallowed them good

the l-word has never fit perfectly

its sharp edges stick out like fangs

love is a double-edged sword, 

           mine more so than everyone else’s

but it is love all the same

juliet was never an apostle but she’d been a lover

      wasn’t that kind of the same thing?

By Latifa Sekarini

(she/her)

ig: thoreausmuse

Graphics by Alexa Marie (@aleexamarie)