Tendril Tongues
Why do I keep trying to rekindle old flames
when I’ve told her time and time again
that a relit cigarette just doesn’t taste the same
Willow Becomes Butterfly
Our love flows heavy
then lingers like tired rainfall
after you leave us
A white butterfly
taps at the window you died
gazing out of—still
I know better but
I truly believe it’s you
giving us more time
The white butterfly
dances on two wet noses
to ease their grieving
They howl every night
now that there is a cold spot
in their bed for three
The white butterfly
circles our weeping willow
Your gentle namesake
After brief beauty
the white butterfly curls up
We let go again
Millie Godwin (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor from Nottingham, UK. In her spare time,
she enjoys cuddling up with her dogs and reading poetry, fantasy or literary fiction, and (usually
feminist) non-fiction. She also practises tarot and witchcraft. She tweets at @godwin_millie.