Ending

Teagan Nathe

It will be August,
wind delivers warmed eucalyptus,
our nostrils hover above the table
You say, ( )
I say, I actually liked it.
I will tell you how I’ve seen,
fig seeds squished between my toes
and tasted one, perfectly ripe
I will apologize I forgot to bring you one
( ) you say.
I will ask you when it was enough
when sand met wind,
and made you blind.
( ). We both sigh
I will show you pictures
a child with the ability to cry,
held in the arms of another mother
( )? you ask
Never yours, I reply.
It will be January,
and maybe there will be a buzz,
electric hum of someone wanting
I will pick up,
and you will say ( ).

Teagan Nathe is a recent graduate of Seattle University, and now teaches at an outdoor preschool working to help kids foster a deep connection with the natural world. Her work can be found in Seattle University’s Literary Magazine Fragments, Seattle Art Museum’s blog page and smaller zine publications. For further work and contact information visit her website: https://teaganfrancesnathe.my.canva.site.

Art: Margo Hoover is an artist and teacher based in Oakland. She paints with bright colors that combine personal symbolism with religious and mystic iconography. You can learn more about her work at margoisbusy.art