Air cannot breathe between them,
the two-headed boy sharing shoulders.
The other kids at football club
respect space, spread out like new freckles
on hairless skin, but blood flows
between these two, sticks them together,
burns like jealousy or first love.
They will grow, call each other words
not yet invented, press each other’s buttons
with knowing bones. They will score
different goals, concede different goals.
Air will breathe between them.
Blood will continue to burn.

© Carl Burkitt 2023