by Kache’ Attyana Mumford
Fruit flies linger at the edge of the sink drain,
Like shadows at dusk, drawn to something unseen,
Or a lover who hovers just beyond the scent of perfume—
A presence felt, but never quite touched,
Whispering in the quiet of the evening.
A tongue balancing on blades of-
Freshly brushed teeth, smiling.
A photo finished moment tapped to a fridge,
Like the sweetness of stolen moments can cover-
The stench of uncleaned dishes.
In the inhales and exhales-
Truth hits the triangle of decisions.
Lying is just words with a blindside-
So fear can live once again.
Language is just untold wishes-
And in it, here and now
I’ll lie once again.
About the Author:
Kache’ Attyana Mumford is a poet, playwright, drama therapist, and educator. Her work explores Black womanhood, survival, and memory through a blend of lyric storytelling. Her writing has appeared or is forthcoming in literary journals such as Allium, Vermilion, Cathexis Northwest Press, and others.