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issue 3: HEATWAVE

thermodynamic equilibrium

KALEB TUTT
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                                                    what is it like
iced lemonade in a glass cup           the sun                     beat down
tiny pink umbrella                             cast no shadow       no solace
chemicals, chlorine                            scorched                  our lungs
we splashed the concrete,                our feet                    so hot

if we had taken precaution,             time, a second
checked                                                degrees, the burns
our feelings, our bodies                    our skin, hot tar
the signs                                               screamed, ignored

we should not walk                           on hot coals,
too late,                                                the burns paint red
our soles                                              hurt, sting, cry,
lather aloe vera                                 until the pain numbs-

then step,                                           we have no choice
even if it hurts,                                 it’s necessary
the burns form                                 blisters, bruises
thick calluses                                    offer protection
                         to trod through the briar patch

Kaleb Tutt is a writer of the weird and strange. As a narrative designer, he also loves writing dialogue and quests for video games. Get in touch with him on Twitter @KalebT96.
perhappened mag
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header photo: michal matlon (unsplash)

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