find the soft hands – bite hard
i remember the first time i learned
that both failure and success
were punished.
i was taught
that my skin
was an open invitation and even a no
meant yes.
now i take the pain
and turn it into something
i can chew
you will learn
the salt of ache.
Mela Blust is a moonchild, and has always had an affinity for the darkness. She has been writing poetry since she was a child. Her work has appeared in Isacoustic*, Rust+Moth, Anti-Heroin Chic, Rhythm & Bones Lit,and The Bitter Oleander, among others. She is the Head Publicist for Animal Heart Press, as well as a contributing editor for Barren Magazine. Her debut poetry collection, Skeleton Parade, is forthcoming with APEP Publications. You can find more of her work at https://melablust.com.
Eunoia Review 