VII. The Chariot

the brutal crush
by Catherine Tan

heart pounding
(the beat of hooves
against hardened earth)
audible above inner city
cacophony

exhausted, I close my eyes
this ribcage a nest
for my eggshell heart

fancy tires of fancy cars
mar my reflection
in obsidian oil slicked puddles

an ouroboros
I devour myself
to stay ahead

Catherine Tan (she/they) is a writer and poet based in Singapore. She enjoys exploring the intersections of mental health, identity and diversity through folklore and mythology. In her free time, she can be found knee-deep in fandom and gaming culture. the brutal crush is the result of Catherine having The Chariot as their birth/soul card, and the anxiety of always trying to catch one’s tail.