Storm of Midnight Crows

Paint my shoulder blades like stained glass wings.

I’ve always wanted to fly away from this city.

Maybe this manor can be my refuge:

I can learn to swim in this brassy sink—

sleep in the grout between these bricks—

trick my breath into every misty exhale—

This city is too big to belong to.

Let me start in this staircase—

let me start in the deep fryers—

every server’s favourite apron—

every neon ice cube—

every spilled drop of courage—

I’ll sprout here

like dandelions on the curb.

Cameron Atlas Chiovitti is a creative writing student at OCAD University, where they’ve served as the Events & Fundraising Coordinator for the second issue of Pulse Literary Journal and former host of Friday Nights on the Mic. Cameron’s own work tackles topics such as mental health and queer identity with curiosity and a playful approach to form. Check out their latest chapbook, Call This Don’t Go, later this spring.