in the last week of july, by Kat Nasif

---

i laid in my head down against

the water and decided not

to love myself any less.

choosing to love like i

love the ocean. letting the

water rush above my head,

pressing my knees into the sand.

gritting my teeth as the surf

breaks. a crack in my lungs,

then realizing i can breathe

again.

a love like an undressing.

even when you have no stomach

for it. and you know

that you are alive.

over

______ and

over _______ again.

---

artist’s bio

Kat (they/she) is a writer who enjoys large rocks, before-the-sunrise chamomile, and warm afternoon light through their bedroom window. They believe that there is love everywhere you are brave enough to look for it.