Ecdysis

regretbecomes a guest that never leaveswaking side by sideeach day we trudge in unisonentwined among my veinsand chiralityit tugs me this way and thatkeeping me carefuland safeand wishingI could unwind its bittered pithfrom my skin, peelit away from each limband...

In September

when the borders between usare more jasmine than fence,more mistake than betrayal,I will cross the dew-wet streetwithout looking, you’ll seemore optimist than woman. Samantha Johnson (she/her) is a poet in Melbourne, working on her debut collection.  Her work...

Mother

On the hills I am barefoot, ankles rainbow-strungwith friendship, picking through scree.In the streams I gather my skirts insmiles, hug baby to my hip, sing to the fishes.In the valley I bathe in shade, stuff pocketswith berries, practise echoes.In the forest I birth...