FEATURE: INKPOT – Paper Cut

By Anna Royle – Creative Writing Editor

Birthday present
wrapping paper.
Sliced finger
sucking blood.
Kitchen roll
sticks.

Eyelashes
hitting glasses,
pushing down ears.

Clothes rubbing,
scratching
skin

Hem digging into hips,
cold button
pressed into stomach

Nails strong––
stuck
into cuticles.

Toes touching,
chest raising,
hair tickling
the top of my back,
saliva sitting,
voices fuse
with the humming
of the fridge.

This is my birthday dinner
but how can I possibly
enjoy it
with a slice
across my knuckle.