I have dug through the silicone
between the tub and the wall.

The pheromones scream Yes.
This is for us. For you. Further. Faster.

Go. Yes. I am happy
when I feel their voices

across my back. I wonder,
as I slip into the water swirling

swirling if anything
I do is mine.

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Michael VanCalbergh currently lives in Normal, IL and works at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His first manuscript was a finalist for the National Poetry Series 2022 Competition. His work is forthcoming from, or has appeared in, Pastel Pastoral, Beaver Magazine, autoFocus Lit, Best New Poets 2021, and many other spaces.

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