DULLEN SKIES BEGAN to turn from overcast to burdened by clouds that amassed beyond cobbled streets and slanting homes as I approached a memory only to be revisited once more. But it is in glasses of sparkling libation that true vulnerability arises. Suffering guised by confidence and consumption. We spoke in parables of reflection as cigarettes crumbled and we sat collapsing into subtle intoxication, simple pleasures between friends lost to fleeting youth. But fear of the great unknown lurked behind glassy eyes that sparkled like an overflowing bottle of amber prosecco and sadness at necessary change silently unfolded. Bikes trembled and trees shook as saturated skies opened onto bystanders. But we stared on until the rain began to render our somber festivity smoldering. When we climbed steep stairs that twisted and turned like the ravages of time, things became as they once were. Young adults searching for identity and climbing the academic ladder that never seemed to cease. Only then did our childlike glee return momentarily until we trekked out into dismal downpour and makeup was smudged by aqueous gods that lamented our fear. Once we parted I went on, drenched and downtrodden but hopeful still. For in my haste, I absorbed the sound of my fading youth. But it was only in the repetitive tapping of bass hidden by headphones that I felt reprieve. Only then was I ushered through the onslaught of rain, soaking me to my core, lavishing tender nature on my soul. — A.R. ARTHUR
A.R. Arthur (formerly A.R. Salandy) is a Black Mixed-race poet & writer who has spent most of his life in Kuwait jostling between the UK & America. Anthony’s work has been published over 250 times internationally. Anthony is the EIC of Fahmidan Journal/Publishing & Co, Review Editor at Full House Literary & Poetry Editor at Chestnut Review.