Encroach | Appraisal
by Georgie Henley
20/05/2020 | poetry | 1 minute 20 second read
Encroach
I’m filled with things I’m afraid of
blood / love / ambition
32 teeth according to my tongue
people have called me brave
but I am simply able to tolerate pain
one day my father will realise I’m average
he sent me a card once
with a small girl on the front
singing with her mouth wide open
I fold it in my stomach, barren kangaroo
something for my ego to cling to
pray the next person who touches me
will leave it undisturbed
slender talisman
against the fraudulent dawn
Appraisal
for my next trick
I will regurgitate my appendix
uselessness imploding
into deathpulp of neglect
teethmarks of the motherbone
still visible and begging me to reconsider
what leaves the taste of blood in my mouth
god bless those who do not know the meaning of masochism
who never tried to brush their tongue with a razor
who deem sex to be a luxury
and love an affirmation of lungs
I would not wish this slow erosion
on your unsuspecting apostles
about Georgie (she/her/hers)
Georgie Henley is an actor and writer, born in Yorkshire and currently living in London. She isn’t very good at writing bios but excels in screaming about astrology,
sad films
and her cat.
twitter: @geohenleyreal
instagram: @awkwardcrone