Stain Removal – by Conor Maxwell

By CONOR MAXWELL
23 years old
University of Waikato

Graphite stares

Volcanic petrification

Pregnant silence carbon-dated

Dust-showered remains

The careless mosaic

Of a stained-glass shadow

We are a

Compressed block

And we can’t think

How best to tarnish

Summer dress

Tear hem

Cut straps

Slide your blade

Through her bodice

And whisper

Forgive me

Into the lilacs

Of her neck

Forgive me

I can’t find the words

To honour you

Obsidian biomass

Construct appropriation

Outcast ash

French and made

Of coal dust

Or wood

Layered

And burned again

This poem is part of the TEARAWAY Young Poets feature for National Poetry Day.