PEARL by Joanna C. Valente

Pearl

by Joanna C. Valente

hush · issue 3

We are one

pearl
floating above
the ocean.

In another dimension,
we are a UFO
entering a new planet’s orbit.

With you, I am
a new being.

So much bothers me
more than it used to.
Is this who I am now?

The black sludge of volcanic
ash melting like a data witch
peering into a crystal knife
overwhelms you even in
sleep.

All the ads I see are versions
of “Do you feel alone?”
“Get help now.”

You show yourself slowly
and this is why I know.
Remember, I love you
like nothing else.
I don’t even know why.

Joanna C. Valente

Joanna C. Valente is a human who lives in Brooklyn, New York, although originally from the rings of Saturn. Joanna is the author of Sirs & Madams, The Gods Are Dead, Marys of the Sea, Xenos, Sexting Ghosts, No(body), and A Love Story (Vegetarian Alcoholic Press, 2021). They are the editor of A Shadow Map: Writing By Survivors of Sexual Assault and the illustrator of Dead Tongue, a poetry collection by Bunkong Tuon as well as Raven King, a poetry collection by Fox Henry Frazier (Yes Poetry, 2021). Joanna received a MFA in writing at Sarah Lawrence College. Currently, Joanna is the founder of Yes, Poetry and the senior managing editor for Luna Luna Magazine.