I recorded my poem “Hermit Crab” that was just published in Mom Egg Review, vol. 18. I wrote it two years ago, but it feels strangely timely now.

Hermit Crab

The pain in my right temple
flares awake, my lower back
aches from face-down sleep,
my sprained ankle pangs
before I take a step. I long
to crawl downstairs and out
to the beach. If I could slither
my soul from this skin, I would
find a new shell to hold me,
something shiny and solid—
no cracks—something large
enough to bring my spouse
and children in, shield us
from this violent, broken world.

You can order copies of MER’s “Home” themed issue at this link. Mom Egg Review took submissions a year ago, but this issue also feels especially timely now, so check out the order link and get yourself a copy of this wonderful literary magazine (and order copies for others too!). I’m thrilled to have a poem in here alongside so many writers I admire. Thanks, Marjorie Altman Tesser, Jennifer Colella Martelli, and company!