Scoop it up with your hands
as it trickles down a sleepy river Styx,
blow on it until the ripples
morph into Posiedon’s tidal waves
Pluck it from the laurel wreaths
but beware of tasting its doubled-tongued berries,
cradle it between your calloused palms
until it falls into a deep trance
Shine it in front of a mirror
to see the reflections echoing down memory lane,
walk away from the forgotten shards
to diverge from Narcissus’ fate
Roll it up the snoring mountains
to endure Sisyphus and his groans,
but wake up before the call of dawn
only to lose the dreams you have caught
once again.
Jessica Kim
Jessica Kim is a Korean-American writer who currently lives in Los Angeles, California. Having moved around countless times, her works are often inspired by her international experiences and identity. She is the co-editor of an international high-school literary magazine.