By Allison DeDecker

To be desired is to be worshipped; 
a thing
of precious lifeless stone.
Living life on display behind
shatterproof glass,
brought out only on holidays
to be adored at arm’s length. 

Better to be cherished; 
rubbed shining smooth by loving hands
tucked in pockets, purses, backpacks,
hung from rearview mirrors, 
perched on car dashboards.
To have front doors left unlocked as invitation,
a place set at every household table.

Allison DeDecker is currently based in Yuma, AZ. She draws inspiration from day to day life, current events, and the natural world. Her work has been published in the Colorado Crossing Literary Journal and is forthcoming in Pile Press. She can be found on Instagram.