18th February 2026

 

in the pre-dawn

walking with the dogs

cookie's barking

© Rachel Green February 2026

Twisted Candlesticks

You ask if we have allergies

and he does; his throat will close

to the size of a needle (without the eye)

and prevent a breath from moving past.

I have no allergies

(that I am aware of)

but may I lie and tell you "yes!

I am allergic to cucumber and celery"

when in fact I don't, but dislike the taste

and would rather not force it down, but

if I just tell you it's a 'do not like'

you think I can just pick it out of the dish

whereas, like petrol on a salad,

contaminates it all.

© Rachel Green February 2026