Christopher Kostyn Passante
Shorn
Shorn of the only thought that ever broke me
like a burr I should have pulled sooner
sundown burned like melting tin
on the sidewalk beneath your leaving feet
and jeweled blades
from summer sprinklers
throw your face back at me
over and over until
darkness takes its time erasing
whatever remains of the bruised
light in which you disappear
that pulse you left red-iron hot
I refuse another breath
again
like a burr I should have pulled sooner
sundown burned like melting tin
on the sidewalk beneath your leaving feet
and jeweled blades
from summer sprinklers
throw your face back at me
over and over until
darkness takes its time erasing
whatever remains of the bruised
light in which you disappear
that pulse you left red-iron hot
I refuse another breath
again
Christopher Kostyn Passante lives and writes in Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains. His work has appeared in Bellingham Review, Cleaver Magazine, Blood+Honey, and others. Earthshine, his debut novel, is forthcoming in 2027 from Apprentice House Press. Find him at ChristopherKostynPassante.com.
