Maggie Rue Hess

Feminine Typo Unedited

Love me black dress fashionable
into next morning’s yogurt cup—
even the peach chunks. Whether a matte 

or satin finish. Choose me at 4:30pm
Sunday joint deep in blues and frustration,
enough to walk your face against the wind, 

dogs dragging at the harness.
Settle with me, rise to me, meet me
in between the infatuations 

we carry and curdle, smiles like
parking spots on Market Ave.
Have me in your way, a pull 

and a toss, the inevitable sweat
but let it be welcome, continue, oh yes
all throat. Hold me, feminine typo

unedited. No need to explain.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Maggie Rue Hess (she/her) is a graduate student living in Knoxville, Tennessee, with her partner and their two crusty white dogs. Her work has previously appeared in Rattle, Minnesota Review, Connecticut River Review and other publications; her debut chapbook, The Bones That Map Us, is forthcoming from Belle Point Press in 2024. She likes to practice latte art and share baked goods with friends.