Dust

We sit at opposite ends of the rainbow, each with a share of gold.

“Make me a peach”              you reach for the light orange shades

dusting brush in acid drop powder as though you’ve done this your whole life.

It has been three months.

A clump in the crease of my eye – you blow softly, correcting.

If only other things were so easily righted.

The palette between us presents a kaleidoscope of possibilities

We are just trying to keep up      inhale

a twist in my gut            knots      exhale

then releases           stabs           gnarls   inhale

relaxes        exhale

When I open my eyes tears of pride / grief / relief.

I assure you, it’s just the dust.

---

Lydia Sofia is a writer living in Worcestershire. Recurring themes of magic and nature appear in her work, as well as her experience of gender transition from a partner's point of view. When she isn’t writing she is supporting victims of sexual violence.

Of Dust, Lydia says:

“I started writing again following my partner's disclosure of her intention to transition from male to female. This followed 11 years of us being together, and it was a surprise to me but we are a year along the way now and it's an amazing experience for us both.

I wrote this after my partner did my make up for the first time. It’s an emotional and lovely memory.”

Find her on Instagram at @lydiasofiawrites