"Mood Swing" by Erica Dawson from BIRMINGHAM POETRY REVIEW

Today's poem is by Erica Dawson

Mood Swing

My heart fell out my mouth last night.
I left it on the floor for hours.
Lit candles in memoriam.
The dog left it alone as if
she'd known the look of reverence.
My heart was in my throat for days
before. Swallow. Regurgitate.
Pulse tasting sweet, the ventricles
like honey, atria like sugar in the raw.
I don't know how I didn't choke.
How it broke free from the sternum's bower
I'll never know. My body makes
its moves without consulting me.
I picked it up and cupped it in
my hands. The aftertaste didn't
stay long but, damn, it was worth the lick.

Copyright © 2025 Erica Dawson All rights reserved
from Birmingham Poetry Review
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission

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