The incandescent radiance

of a midnight living room

breathing heavily scented smoke…

sandalwood and roses with tobacco undertones,

menthol.

 

She’s been thrown against the wall; I watch her shadow

bend ‘round corners, taking the form of a cave dwelling spider.

 

Elvis sings Suspicious Minds; and my mama

subscribes—

they can’t go on together,

so she rearranges furniture,

as is her wont to rid his image.

 

I’m caught lurking in the hallway,

and she smiles.

 

She smiles.

 

A scene I desire to find again.

 

---

 

© Kindra M. Austin  

Kindra M. Austin is a wife, mother, artist, and indie author from Chesaning, Michigan. Her debut novel, Magpie in August was published in April, 2017, and her book of poems and prose titled Constant Muses followed in December. Other publications include several poems featured in Anthology Volume I (Writings from the Sudden Denouement Literary…