Esther Vincent Xueming (b. 1987)
SELECTED POEMS
Dream Sequence (XXI): Ealga
Last night I left the bedroom door ajar, thinking that would bring you closer to
me. There were Egyptian ruins, the landscape turned to gold by a woman
alchemist and you with your eager posture, waiting for our walk. Back facing
me, that familiar stance with paws dug into the earth, body erect, pointed ears
alert and listening. Under the table, you gently pull the silver medicine sleeve
with your mouth and try to play with it. Chew, chew. My mother tells me that
you have grown old and tired, and it’s best to let you sleep. Along the corridors,
off leash, we run and rush. There is another dog with us. I shout your name as I
hear the stomping of impossible feet three storeys above. Bury my nose deep
into the curve of your hip and breathe your dream doggie scent. We turn into
spoons holding each other’s hearts.
by Esther Vincent Xueming
from womb song (2024)
