Australia
Location
Every night I lay awake,
Wishing that I could move to Australia.
The back of my neck would have a permanent burn
from tending to the animals at the zoo.
And I would never have a good hair day
because of the wide brimmed hats that is a part of the khaki uniform.
At the end of the day you’ll meet me where the birds are.
You’ll smooth down my hair and lightly touch my red patch,
before engulfing me in the sweet scent of a hard day’s work and anticipation.
The birds will shriek.
As if to tell us displays of affection
are prohibited in their territory.
At night I’ll lay in your arms.
Our legs intertwined while a cotton white sheet
collects perspiration.
I’ll look out the window and onto the desert,
spotting restless wildlife looking for shelter.
I’ll lay my head back on your chest and smile
because the only thing that keeps me up
Is my untreated insomnia.
How you breathe in serenity and exhale intimacy
finally sings me to sleep.
The sun gently nudging me will inform me that
yesterday has passed.
I’ll sit up and trace the mold that has started
to shape back.
You liked to sleep closest to the door
If in case an intruder broke in,
you could protect me.
Even though a month has passed,
the scent of embalming fluid and musky cologne
Is still longed in my nostrils.
Constantly reminding me that your
masculinity didn’t make you invincible to the
bullet that mistakenly targeted you.
I’ll open up my window to let the morning breeze
take my dwell and the sun promising me
it will kiss the ground later.
When the time comes,
I’ll permanently settle in Australia.
But until then,
I’ll feel my eyes shutting and my body hibernating,
before I see you again.