Alina Simone

Half My Kingdom

Alina Simone


I surrender the other half of my kingdom
Eight square meters in my fairy kingdom
On an island of extinct vernaculars
Cupolas made from last year’s straw
I surrender
Gems from the crown, two dried up eyes
Slippery tail of a ship rat
The fifth paw of a stray dog

I surrender
Spring will punish me for my frivolity
I’ll come back to knock on the gate
Stretching out a hand, begging for snow in winter
I surrender
No kicking, no screaming, no sound, no shame
The laboratory keys are with the guard

I get out
Sunrise breathing down my neck
Sunrise shrugs its shoulders, taking a farewell bow
I surrender the other half of my kingdom