Quarant-Zine Spring 2021
Descending
Written by Candice Phelan We’re under house arrest Day 23 the cat and I Have come to an understanding
Were the rumors true? Is this a zombie apocalypse? I’m scared to leave my apartment.
Not too long ago we were concerned about fires in Australia
Day 302 the plants knock Against the windows At all times in the day
Day 45 of me and my small space. Have you watched a plant grow? It doesn’t take as long as I thought.
I have no idea where the wind is coming from. Never do they go near the door.
I lay awake. How can I sleep when I’ve done nothing but eat?
Day 364 It has been a year The plants are my friends. They tell tales of the outside.
Day 102 I stare at my phone. I haven’t received a text in days. How long has it been since I talked?
I never go near the windows. Those are the plants territory in the apartment.
I hear doors open and close And people walk away I haven’t heard any come back again
They offered me the door, but I didn’t want to go near it, so I stay on the bed.
Day 167 I fear I’m alone here. My cat ran away. My home has descended into silence
The plants wanted my bed, but the bed is mine. They have broken the contract.
My plants are creeping across the floor at night I swear I see them reaching to knock things off tables.
I ate a friend today. They did not bleed. but they had a solid crunch
Day 276 It has almost been a year My power was turned off I haven’t heard any news in days
The door opened to my landlord, the face was the first I’d seen In months and months and months. Illustration by Candice by CandicePhelan Phelan
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Poets and Writers Coalition Quarant-Zine Spring 2021
