“Mare Nectaris” - A Poem

the salt we were
the salt we are
and the salt we are becoming

the day you rose fully
formed from the sea
and I took you in my arms

our mouths met
and we exchanged internal oceans

the salt we are

injured animals lapping
at the dead sea
between your legs
to replenish their blood loss

mineral deposits at the shore,
magic circles of protection
that I break with my tongue

our pasts have always been so

the salt we were
when Orpheus threw a glance
over his left shoulder
for luck

and Lot’s wife checking
what he’s looking at

dry brine circles around your eyes
that I break with my lips

the salt we are
becoming, thoroughly unlike bodies
of water

crusted on such alabaster exomoon
gleam, undimmed by human tears

and we’re going to ride
these sudden white pillars
to find out

if their mare nectaris
and sinus roris
taste like yours

Josh Pearce has published more than 200 stories, reviews, and poems in a wide variety of magazines, including Analog, Asimov’s, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Bourbon Penn, Clarkesworld, Diabolical Plots, Interzone, Kaleidotrope, Locus, Strange Horizons, Trollbreath, Weird Horror, and elsewhere. Find more of his writing at fictionaljosh.com.

Write City E-zine is currently open to submissions.

Click here for details