23 May 2022

Botched Affection

Slight tugs
become
tight hugs
buried bruises
because
she refuses
He’s not
like that
Small twist
no fists
concealed
with a kiss
swollen eyes
disguised by lies
not because
she cries
she dares not
share why
He didn’t
mean that
Pinned tight
don’t fight
quick falls
hard walls
no loud calls
small taps
slight smacks
bones crack
only because
He is not
like that
say WHAT
He didn’t
mean that
Love taps
death traps
she smiles
with
weary
eyes
and
simple
sighs
Don’t say that
He’s not
like that


Speak OUT! Issue 2


Illustration by Eddaviel

About the Author

Calpernia Nicole Charles

Calpernia Nicole Charles is a native of the beautiful country of Belize and has lived in Conyers, Georgia since 2017. Calpernia received her master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Galen University in Belize, and her doctoral degree in Education from Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. Calpernia is also the author of four bilingual children’s books.  She has been a writer, editor and poetry mentor with Coffee House Writers since 2019 and is a contributing author in Coffee House Writers 2020 Anthology: Volumes 1 & 2. She enjoys writing poetry and children’s books. When she is not writing, Calpernia can be found enjoying music, Broadway plays and long quiet walks on the beach. Calpernia’s work can be found on the following sites: Facebook and coffeehousewriters.com.

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