Snowflake Magazine

an ode to softness

soft is white sheets fresh from the dryer—

is eyelids closed and contemplative—

is fingers traveling down.

soft is not the quiet of mourners—

is not found in holy books—

is not a butterfly wing, too delicate and fragile to touch.

soft is a sigh—

is the sand that caresses the space between toes—

is a dying rose petal, brown edges curling inward.

soft wants to fill all the empty space—

wants to hold hands with the devil—

wants to dive down into the depths.

soft is ragged page of a favorite book—

is the wind that brings change—

is the heart of a poet.

Published by

Dane Lyn

Dane Lyn (they/them) is a neurospicy, genderqueer, disabled, educator, poet, and glitter enthusiast in a love-hate relationship with Los Angeles, where they reside. Dane has an MFA from Lindenwood University, a ridiculous collection of succulents, and four scavenger hunt runner up ribbons. Dane’s work can be seen in Quillkeepers, Gnashing Teeth, Gutslut, and Imposter. Their debut chapbook by bottlecap press, “bubblegum black,” was released in early 2023 with rave reviews from their mom. They are on social media @punkhippypoet.