SMALL DEATHS

Words by Marian Gabani Gimenez
Art by Hanalogi Semata

Coming
in a foreign language
is the ultimate act of
treason.

The rough colonial tongue
burning patches
marches onup my thighs
there! isso.
braving territories, devastating
long standing outposts
one by one.

A hitched breath, a full-throated groan,
and rushing torrents
past imploding dams
sweep guards from their ground.

Collapsed bodies, words,
meaningless chords
building ruins over ruins.

Qu'est-ce qu'il y a de petit dans la mort?