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12th July, 2024

Friday Poem – ‘Fickle Lover’ by Katrina Naomi

The sea splashing over rocks.

This week’s Friday Poem is ‘Fickle Lover’ by Katrina Naomi from her new collection Battery Rocks.

Fickle Lover
Ours is not a relationship of equals.
You’re passionate, rough, violent. So much
is an act – you’re always on display – I want you
all to myself. Of course, you’re unfaithful, you swim
with anyone, moshing their thighs, their breasts,
knocking them out with your rush.
At one time, I could choose
whether to be in love with you. I do my best
to ignore your conquests. Instead, I think
of when you’re away, how you leave me
gifts – razor shells, man o’ war, jags of glass –
fragile reminders of your own tough love.
I need your chill; can’t help myself.
You swoosh round my brain, frolicking
with neurones, make my skin fit me, tighter,
tighter, after I’ve plunged right in. I’m going
deeper. I can’t consider what you want –
pinning me, scraping my limbs along rocks.
I’ve learnt to say no.
Despite your allure, I won’t go to you at night.
But sunrise, I’ll be waiting for you, having
shifted my day around your tides;
my primitivism seduced – loving
how you run, spuming, towards me.