Sour Milk by Paul Ilechko

 

Sour Milk Cat by Topher Seal

A message suggesting

a body covered in a white sheet

the contents of a stomach pumped

a dark shadow cracking open

* * * * *

the porch was painted white

the porch shadowed the entry way

“darkness visible”

* * * * *

milk was spilled only a puddle remained

the toast was burned

a sour smell lingered

behind the taste of charcoal

* * * * *

remembering the feel of skin

remembering the weight in hands

* * * * *

steps were taken hesitant

messages could have been lost

* * * * *

the porch crumbled into time

the milk was gone.

 

*****

Paul Ilechko is the author of the chapbooks “Bartok in Winter” (Flutter Press) and “Graph of Life” (Finishing Line Press). His work has appeared in a variety of journals, including Juxtaprose, As It Ought To Be, Cathexis Northwest Press, Inklette and Pithead Chapel. He lives with his partner in Lambertville, NJ.