Sam Ratcliffe

Rot

I hoard spoiled food in my fridge.
It’s my longest-lasting relationship.

I turn on the light and we stare at each other
like we’re trying to finish an argument.
Not speaking, but still sharing the same bed.

Both wishing things were different.
Both rotting from the inside
out.

Samantha Ratcliffe is a poet and songwriter from Eastern Kentucky. She is a teaching assistant at the University of Kentucky, where she is pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing. She’s an editor for Broadstone Books and she runs a Frankfort writing workshop called Hill Writers Collective. Ratcliffe aspires to uplift and showcase southern voices in her writing and creative endeavors. You can find more of her work at samantharatcliffe.com

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