by Marissa Bell Toffoli.
So, we speak of the past and the passed
in whispers for their sake and our own;
swing open the hinges of our chests
offer flight to memory, aghast,
we release these semiprecious stones.
We speak well of the passed and the past
afraid to let on when we feel pissed,
abandoned, even overthrown—
swinging emotions hinged in our chests.
In the marketplace, stalls give taste-tests.
Honey soothes the bitters, atones,
so to speak of the past and the passed
is to seek comfort. Body, distressed,
finds balance in a holding undone.
Swing open the hinges in your chest;
allow some motions to be outguessed,
muscles to stretch (still rooted in bone).
So, we speak of the past and the passed
swing open the hinges in our chests.