Before the next affair

Apply as needed
Kleenex-proof stains on canvas:
an effort to render sky in watercolor.

How did it become so parabolic--
your dream circle.

Now, there are fences,
canals, lesser evils.
The landscape has been obscured.

Even the refuse left unpainted
inside the trash can
wants to be taken back.

- kristine ong muslim

Dream elements from parcel #2

The room is the size
of a monster
with rosewood legs.

A monkey hangs
by the balustrade.
It has your future husband's eyes.

The creature tries to bite you.

- kristine ong muslim

Dream elements from parcel #3

A montage of kitchen items:

In the middle
is the ghost of Plath.

On the dinner table,
an overdue book
fans its pages.

The stainless steel
demigods of cutlery
rustle.

The box of milk
past its expiry date
sloshes and howls
inside the fridge.

- kristine ong muslim

Dream elements from parcel #8

The clock wants
your ring finger
in exchange
for its longhand.

It gets down
on its wooden knees
and begs.

- kristine ong muslim