i collect items left behind by ex-boyfriends

as if they are souvenirs
i count myself lucky
and hold my breath in the shower
to practice peace on days
that feel like a blister
i know somewhere children are laughing
and you are folding your favourite pair of jeans
or eating shredded cheese straight from the bag
which sits in the fridge by a pint of spoiled milk

 

 

Kari Pindoria is based in London and studied English Literature at Goldsmiths University. She is yet to be published but is working on a short fiction story and a memoir about her experiences recovering from anorexia nervosa. She is currently working with the NHS as a Mental Health Peer Support Worker.