I pretend to drink the fake tea you offer me
because I am terrified your heartbeat;
an earthquake across plans we no longer make.
I don’t understand how your nose was made,
it is no one’s and everyone’s.
I can see your veins. You look at me
like you understand what I’m saying.
I’m not the leader, mate. But I’ll do my best
to find them for you in my skin.

© Carl Burkitt 2021