compact

by Ian Kirkland

after marlene

shelled on the floor

a linoleum shiver

gloam blushing in

bruise goose-stepping colour

inclement fever

in through the glass

nacreous shining

silver and brass

mirror phantasm

mute and concave

blush in the window

tiles by the grave

cracking the greasepaint

over the sink

shades of a gruesome

and dazzling pink.

Ian Kirkland (he/they) is a scholar, storyteller, and meanderer based in North London. Their writing investigates contemporary engagements with queer futurity, the digital diaspora, and the modern abject. They also manage a bookstagram collective in their free time for all your TBR needs! @bookpushers