Text-only versions available via corresponding links. All accompanying photographs by Fred Clavél.

WELLS

by Fred Clavél

Sometime after midnight
I read my own lifelines
Seen much better from the back.
Putting fist to stone in the dark
Seemed such a good idea before.

These salted days have a story to tell
In tongues incomprehensible
To surrounding ears.

The light of this darkness is blinding.
It leaves me wanting
Wanting to see your face
When you realize I’m not there
To see you at all.

In truth, I think the best thing
You could ever shower me with
Is your complete and utter disappointment.

The savory stronghold of these minutes
Has rendered my mouth useless.
And your iron maiden embrace
Is all I need
To forget everything that brought me here.