HP Rivers

  • Onset

    Knowing the storm is coming Might be the worst part. It’s like going away to war – Again, Like saying your goodbyes Just in case, Like wondering If you’ll ever come home again. She kicks in the door Like an old nemesis And smiles, Sweet as tea, As she licks her teeth. Depression Doesn’t care…

    HP Rivers

  • Instructions

    Sitting on our dining room floor Assembling a cheap dresser With inadequate instructions You laugh and say, “Babe, I’m not doing feelings right now – I’m doing power tools.” I think, “I want to remember this moment When I am dying.” Because I have never been more in love Than I am here, in this…

    HP Rivers

  • Body

    The priest says,“This is the body of Christ”And I watch, wide eyed,As my grandfatherHumbly accepts the offeringOn his tongue. I wonder what Jesus tastes like. The priestess says,“May you never thirst”And I humbly accept the wine,Transmuted intoThe water of the wombThat held Jesus ChristAnd I wonderAbout Christ’s body. I wonder about his sweat,The itching of…

    HP Rivers

  • Things I’ve Learned During the Pandemic

    Things I’ve Learned During the Pandemic I can do hard things. This message is not finding anyone well,We all just show that differently. Always take a phone chargerWith you to the hospital. Children are not meantTo be raisedWithout the village. When everything elseIs stripped away,Love will remain. I can do hard things. And to wear…

    HP Rivers

  • Anxious Love

    We decide to write each other letters To open on our wedding day, The things too vulnerable to speak In front of Godde and everybody, I wonder, “What will happen to the letters?” We say, “til death do us part is for quitters,” but we will die one day, And I imagine your body in…

    HP Rivers