The Serulian

it goes like this, my hands intertwined with yours & i’ve felt more a person; it goes like this, i didn’t realize home was a feeling and not a place until i kissed you; it goes like this, if the good die young, then darling i think you’re living with one foot in the grave, & trust me, i’ll bury you if you let me, but i want you here, now, in my living room forever; it goes like this, when i told you i’d bury you i didn’t mean i want you to die, i meant: please let me be in your life forever, i meant: please don’t leave, i meant: please let me love you, darling, even as the world ends, even though you’re too good for me; it goes like this, time isn’t on our side, darling, and i’m sorry, but i don’t know how to make you stay but i love you & we touch as if our bodies aren’t mortal, as if they won’t decay come time’s end, as if we’re going to be here, immortalized in this moment & i never want this to end; it goes like this, tell me you love me and i’ll tell you i’ll bury your body, open casket, flowers offered to your grave; tell me you love me, and i’ll tell you i never want you to leave; tell me you love me, and i’ll tell you that you’re my home

Arushi (Aera) Rege is a queer, Indian-American poet who simultaneously attends junior year in high school. In their free time, they can be found reading good books, listening to R&B, and stressing over college. They tweet occasionally @academic_core and face the perils of instagram @aeranem_26. Their works have been published in Stone of Madness Press, Full House Literary Magazine, fifth wheel press, and more. You can find their website at arushiaerarege.carrd.co.