Written Category Runner-Up: Promaha

“It is winter so I close the windows, / wear socks in bed and can’t get out”

Too many open windows lead to
runny noses, coughs and slowly dying,
according to my mother. I think promaha
is the main cause of death in ex-Yugoslavia.

It is winter so I close the windows,
wear socks in bed and can’t get out,
almost a form of contraception that I think
even promaha can’t penetrate.

Still can’t get out –
I’m beginning to think that promaha
hurts more than just my immune system.
I’m beginning to think that even socks
can’t help me with the rest.

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See the winners announcement for commentary on Hana’s poem.

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