Six of Cups

my home was you
by Vera Armstead

I need a signature from
parent or guardian
    at least that’s what the paper says

you’re like a second mother
filled with wisdom

as I sit on your lap
and you tend to the splinter
in my finger

your arms are warm
your scent, clean and solid
a familiar touch

to me — perhaps not the paper —
it makes sense for you
to be my guardian

Vera Armstead (she/her) is pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in English at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She is the Managing Editor of The Point News and an Editor of AVATAR Literary Magazine, and has publications in Tiny Essays, Vamp Cat, and Crêpe & Penn, among others.