by Nathalie Boisard-Beudin

To summon memories of you
I burnt some old whispers
We had shared in the wood,
Staring in the void
Where smoke disappeared.

To summon memories of you
I lacerated the pomanders
That held your skin sweet
In the warmth of dreams
Spilling tears and seeds.

To summon memories of you
I gouged your old records
Trying to catch your breath
In the scratches and cracks
Calling from another world.

To summon memories of you
I licked shadows on the wall
Trying to find traces
Of left salt and murmurs
Scraping my lips as I went.

To summon memories of you
I went down to the lake
And spoke to the fish
Their silence was thunderous
Making ripples on reality.