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In: Anthology

Idiosyncrasy – Toju Lusan

You are insistent rain,

headstrong against the roof.

I hide from your gaze like the sky

hides behind the tree, wearing it

like an emerald hood.

I missed you when you were looking

at the sun’s other side. I slipped

my foot into a shoe that once belonged

to you. I dusted your shelf

with a shirt I no longer wear.

 

We have failed at love –

I still wear your shadow

and hold the poison

in my fist, tightly, like a key.

In my dream, I wander naked

into the past where the rain

is dark and hot and no wonder

we are so blemished.               I know

the taste of regret. I know how it tickles

& burns the throat. I know the heat of your palm

flat on my cheek. How quickly the rain turns

from drizzle to storm.


Toju Lusan is a Nigerian writer and photographer whose work primarily explores intimacy, connection, and faith.