Representation from the embassy of Aeaea

That time I lost my best friend because we
turned seven and he figured out I was a girl

been swallowing the bruises ever since

:diffidence and valiant diplomacy
makeup a homage to dropping out of art school
red bra concealed by sorcery
wedding ring from Temu
rewritten promises of safe passage:

I would never deceive my wife, much less yours

I am content to remain on this island that is not really mine,
gradually turning your men into pigs.

Olivia Macassey is a poet and editor who lives in Te Tai Tokerau Northland. Her poems have previously appeared in Poetry Aotearoa Yearbook, takahē, Rabbit, Landfall, REMAKE, the Yvonne Rust Gallery, and other places. She has two published collections.