by Olive McCoy
Let me set you alight
douse you in petrol
strike a match
carry your charred bones
in my macabre procession
and wrap you in moss
take your eyes for baby's breath.
I'll send you floating
like fair Ophelia
down the river
to make life of your death
to create a home for the cold-blooded
in the chest I once rested upon.
I must ask now,
lover.
why your affections lead me to such
visceral imaginings.
I wish so desperately,
I had a god to pray to,
maybe then my piety could
sway my violent persuasion
and instead of decay I could offer
lush green at your altar, nourish your soul.
Until then,
I'Il take and burn your bones,
and use your ash
to fertilise my good green Earth