Stained Glass Was All That Kept Me Near to Heaven

by Katrina J. Paddock

The closest star is more than four light-years away
but stained glass can warp the impression of time.

Like the absence of god defines my absence of faith—

      like my lovers left;
      like my heart is mine;
      like my hometown;

I am a place known for its proximity

                                        to     another     place.

Katrina J. Paddock is a Virginian living and writing in New York City, where she is studying English as an undergraduate. Her poetry has appeared in Jelly Squid Magazine, Dark Poets Club Magazine, and Paloma Magazine.

• @katrinajpaddock