Daughter
for Cole
Such a fresh word on my tongue: daughter
tasting like slumber parties and friendship bracelets
hair clips, orange soda, belly laughter.
I always wanted a daughter
more than that, I always wanted a child.
I was never sad to have sons, all boys
each one a spark, starlight and amber horizons,
dragonfly wings interrogating the air, life itself
demanding answers and wide, wailing
freedom — this is you still. Boy or girl,
you are loud, a cacophony of shouts
exclamations, feelings overflowing
a plum so purple and ripe
it cannot contain its own sweetness. My child,
you leak out joy like pink nectar, punctured.
This is all I ever wanted in a child, son or
daughter, you are all I’ve ever wanted.
Beeper Peddle is a writer and healer living on the East Coast. She lives with her partner and their beloved soul puppy. Beeper writes about sorrows, lies, and deep loves. When you read her work, you will dip down into her heart and end up in all manner of body parts. Should you find yourself reflected in these words, it is merely coincidence; however, it does not surprise her you share the same heart. Find her at bethpeddle.com and @beeperpeddle on Twitter and Instagram
Bethany Tap (she/her) is a queer writer living in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her wife and four kids. Her work has been published in Emerge Literary Journal, NonBinary Review, Yellow Arrow Journal, and Third Wednesday, among others. More of her work can be found at bethanytap.com.
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