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Her: Marlboros & Lavender
 
I  told you, dear, I'm made of lavender
—of breath and light and many gracious parts.
But you called me the devil. Remember?
 
I could leave you to smoke if you prefer.
But when you exhale, who’ll kiss your lungs and heart?
I told you, dear, I'm made of lavender.
 
Maybe roll me in your cigarette, sir,
You’ll inhale, and in your chest I’ll be art.
But you called me the devil. Remember?
 
I could burn so bright if you called me Her,
Scenting your curls, never to depart. 
I told you, dear, I'm made of lavender.
 
I want to look at you with eyes demur,
Without a haze, and re-do our own start.
But you called me the devil. Remember?
 
I once prayed I’d be your sun, bachelor,
Swirling in-between your steps, not apart.
I told you, dear, I'm made of lavender.
But you called me the devil. Remember?

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Published by UNC Short Edition in 2022