Do you remember how a memory feels?
Like ice, warm with fumes
Like the scratchy sweater that
Lulls you to sleep


And makes you bleed all at once

Do you know how a memory tastes?
Like a kiss in a dream
A hot biscuit speckled with
baking-soda mistakes

the condiments lurking in the back of the

refrigerator
frozen with neglect
yet spicier each time they are pulled out

Can you recall how a memory sings
And dances
And twirls and spins
Til it can’t spin any more?
A pirouette on shattered glass
More beautiful with every rip or tear

Do you remember how a memory feels?
Like iron velvet—
Dead to the world
Cold to the touch
Burning