WASTELAND

By: Erika Seshadri

my guest unspools

his threadbare comfort

before me

laid out in imbrication,

incomplete

dauntless

we set to work

  filling gaps

with costume jewels

and

thrifted memories

from a calico dress

once pleased

with our handiwork

my guest collects

his prize

clinging to succor

of plastic, twine, and cloth

  he returns

to the wasteland

where he shines

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Erika Seshadri lives on an animal rescue ranch with her family. When not caring for tame critters or feral children, she can be found writing.