Animals: “monsoon season / Amblypygi’s lament” by Samir Sirk Morató

monsoon season / Amblypygi’s lament

«Don’t hurt me,» the whip scorpion begs. «There’s a waning crescent, and rain, and your sheets looked secure. Familiarity mimics safety in bad light. I just wanted shelter. That’s all. Your Aesop-stung hands are showing too late. I saw their love letters before I saw their scars, and I, a fool, rushed in. Again. We’re in the same hurt-haunted jar, friend. Lower that book. Phenotypically, I echo everyone who struck you. I know that. How can I bear myself without you smashing me open? How can I extend an olive branch in fists you find made for violence? Memory overwrites living matter. Molting means little. No matter my energy or intention, in shape, I am always the same. So no more abuse. Please. Not today.»

About Samir Sirk Morató

Samir Sirk Morató is a scientist, artist, and flesh heap. They are also a two-time Brave New Weird shortlister and a F(r)iction Fall 2022 Flash Fiction finalist. Some of their published and forthcoming work can be found in Flash Fiction Online, ergot., and The Drabblecast.