I feel like I could conquer the world
set down my sword I never wished to wield
heavy in my weary, calloused hands
and invite my demons to afternoon tea
to talk out our differences like true diplomats over cucumber
and dill cream cheese sandwich squares cut into little shapes
and delicate desserts and the loose leaf tea my mom keeps in the
back of the cabinet reserved to drink only on special occasions
I will ask them if they'd like cream or sugar and we
will wear silly hats and flowery dresses I will forget
my sorrows and soak in the sunshine bleeding through the
windows and into my pores bleeding through my
insecurities and worries bleeding through my floral
armor
onto the pristine, white tablecloth
but the pain will dissipate
we will hold hands
and I will forgive.
Kay Denmead, ’24