on dissociation

after matthea harvey

surrounded by its wooden lining, the clock
jolts its hands in time like any other instrument

that might keep the day in order—a certain return
for a selfhood known to project into another frame.

mindful of its movement along a dial, the room is slow
to dissolve & break away. is it anger

denying my refuge? or is the choice made
on its own? the hand swings

with a purpose: a phantom inside the
apparatus. & meanwhile I am not well.

Read more from Issue No. 23 or share on Twitter.