Hot Pot Magazine

By Theodore James

despite distance
the fabric of our universes intersect

i say “i love you” because
we share the same skin, tongue, heart

i say “i need you” because there’s a maw in my belly
that will never again be fed

i cry, scream, shout your name, and yet most will never comprehend
Our language

i can still see your smile and smell the lotion in your
all encompassing palms

i learned everything i know about life from your death,
everything i know about death from your life,
and everything i know about love
from yours

i have no convictions of heaven or hell, the simplifying
man-made concepts of absolution.
your presence is retained in my memories and dreams, what’s more
sacred than that?

Theodore James is a 22 year old transsexual male who writes so that he may breathe. Words and
language have been his passion for as long as he can remember. He spends his free time reading,
writing, overthinking, and eating delicious vegan meals. He specializes in angst, but also lives for a little
bit of humor. His favorite poet is Danez Smith, his favorite color is burnt orange, and he loves the smell
of the sky after a nice long rain.