The Flowers Spoke

Deviant Bates

of a garden treat–
there was a wildflower
blooming in my belly

yet I reject this body
this fill this vessel this
I want nothing to do with


I apologize
but keep
cringe to me

Deviant Bates (they/them) is a Texan-Taiwanese writer and poet. Their work reflects upon experiences of madness, grief, and yearning. Their work has been published by Vagabond City Lit, Heavy Feather Review, and others. Find them on Twitter @darlingknife.

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