Reticence – Isabelle Newson

February 4, 2026

1.
I’m a nightingale inside of a question.
You cradled the back of my neck
To shove a hotdog into my mouth.
My teeth shine mustard sap and i am
Bite still whole smiling
Trying to be declarative
As you point out rusted wires.

2.
Fuses run with the same guilt
As those who lock goats in cages
And drive them across freeways.
Find punishment by:
Holding an empty mug up to your ear thinking about he who mangled your fingers.
Grabbing forsaken sand to store down your shirt and into your pants.
Pouring sheer nail polish all over to create a spectral statue of your face.
Disposing yourself.