Natolie Webb

Clinging

I lie awake in bed and reach gently for your chest. I didn’t want to wake you. I only wanted to feel the rise and fall of your ribcage. I needed to feel it before I could succumb to sleep. How many nights will I be able to reach for you like this? How manyContinue reading “Clinging”

Drowning

I’m sinking, as I knew I would. I saw the signs days ago. My cracking veneer didn’t stand a chance against the force of your emotions. I knew eventually the darkness would come rushing in to pull me under with its unbreakable grip. Even as I’m pulled deeper and deeper into the abyss, I knowContinue reading “Drowning”

Iris

Every day a freshly cut batch of irises appeared on the sidewalk, just at the start of a picture-perfect, white picket fence. Every day she averted her eyes as she passed. She felt guilty for doing it but it gave her the creeps. Why couldn’t Mrs. Tenlove give it a rest already? It wasn’t likeContinue reading “Iris”

Hurtful Words

She felt the words she hadn’t meant to say drip from her lips like blood. Each one was as heavy as lead and scented like a decaying corpse. He recoiled as if physically repulsed, and she wished she could recoil from herself. She had gone too far and, once spoken, the words could never fullyContinue reading “Hurtful Words”

Side by Side

I wander the beach in thoughtful solitude, allowing the sand and waves to pull my world-weariness through the soles of my feet. I had invited you to come, but you chose to stay in bed. I don’t mind. You have your spiritual practice… I have mine. Later we might take a walk in the city,Continue reading “Side by Side”

Equals

She reaches out to take the offered dollar and our eyes meet for the first time. In them I see a jaded wisdom, far beyond the age her small frame carries. My years of privilege crack and fall away, piling like dust at my feet. I’m embarrassed to be standing in it, even as IContinue reading “Equals”

The Melody in the Silence

I breathe in, taking the silence into my lungs. It penetrates my blood and travels through my body, filling each cell with a melody of peace.

Choices

You know that little spot in your heart that just won’t heal? That’s a remnant of the pain you caused me when you broke my spirit. It lives because you pretend it doesn’t exist. It won’t die because you refuse to show remorse. Do you want to know about my heart? My heart is wholeContinue reading “Choices”

Holding on to Good Enough

She spent all of her days trying to measure up. She had to be the best student, the fastest runner and the prettiest girl in school. When she grew up and graduated, she fought to be the best in her field. She hit the gym daily to stay young and trim and made sure toContinue reading “Holding on to Good Enough”

Ultimatum

Cara steeled herself for the pain she knew would come when he opened his mouth. He was about to reject her. She had been expecting it from the beginning. Their whirlwind romance was marred by her insecurities and fears. She couldn’t forgive him for loving her. There must be something wrong with him. His flawsContinue reading “Ultimatum”