I Turn Forty and Don’t Panic

Like everyone, I glow
in the dark. Body humming
in the ancient sky.

I do not want to age
in reverse, I miss my old bones—
gorgeous and unextraordinary.

Put your ear to my wrist
and listen for wings.

At night, we dig holes in the dirt.
Plant our sagging tits
in the ground and wait for spring.

Over coffee, you tell me
most people tilt their head
to the right when kissing.

Now, all I want to do is go left.

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Listen

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Danielle Coffyn (she/her) is a Belgian-American poet and writer. She is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize and author of If Adam Picked the Apple, released with North Meridian Press in 2025. Her poems have appeared or are forthcoming in wildscape. literary journal, Ink in Thirds, Eunoia Review, Anti-Heroin Chic, Litbop, and others. She currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri.