day seven.

eva.

-

my sister was born

on friday the thirteenth,

with blood in her mouth.

she wouldn't take our mother's milk,

stopped breathing twice in her sleep,

nona read scripture over her 

the entire first night.

aunt drina says

she didn't want this life.

she's too attracted to high places

and hot things; fascinated by 

sharp edges. we watch her

in the bath because she

likes to see how long

she can hold her breath. 

we love her,

knowing we'll 

lose her.

she's thirteen now,

and compelled by fire.

nona stays up 

praying all night.

aunt drina and uncle luca

tie bells on all the doors,

sprinkle cinnamon in

the part of her hair.

she falls asleep with the 

windows open, and

wakes up in the fields.

they say she didn't 

want this life.