The Elm 2016-2017 2017 The Elm Literary Magazine | Seite 44

LEAVE ME, DARLING
by Jany Salinas
Leave me, Darling. My love, my light.
Such feelings we hold near and dear to our heart will only be turned to
dust.
Did not our Lord point his finger at us by way of the church, our own
selves,
And declare his displeasure by way of the church, through our own
mouths?
Leave me, Darling. my Partner, my Blessing. If you stay with me I promise
that I would love you until I die.
No other will catch my eye or put a heat in my cheeks that could burn the
cathedral.
I would kiss you every day that I live and I would tell you every day…
I love you
Until the time comes for our bodies to be thrown carelessly into an un-
marked grave.
Or to be burned at the stake for their sins
Food for the maggots or faggots for the flame
Leave me, Darling. My love, my light.
Because I can promise you everything in my life but I cannot promise any-
thing for the eternity after.
I only promise the rejection of heaven and I only promise the heat from
hell.
The burn in my cheeks will become literal
The butterflies in our stomachs will be freed.
If you do not leave now, Darling.
I will only drag you down with me.
Vandalism
Jany Salinas
12th Grade
Acrylic and pastel on canvas
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