This was written a few months ago. I share it today, having left the situation that inspired it.

Something round and green
grows inside her
spleen – a pearl,
sickening on its own oyster

she returns to the sea
takes the sea inside her
the spray inside her
eyes the lip of the swell
against her belly
the break between her legs

the waves clean
but do not wash away
the pearl’s darkening
sheen -
turbid as the unquiet sea.

© Sophie Nussle