Short-Term Lease

by Opal Hart · 15/01/2026
Published 15/01/2026 17:12

My knee made the sound of a dry branch

snapping under a boot.

I stood up and saw a shape in the glass—

thick shoulders, a heavy tilt of the head.


I didn't recognize the person

wearing my favorite sweater.

I looked at my hand.


The veins are branching out,

a blue map of a country

I haven't visited yet.


I’m just staying here for a while.

I hope I leave the keys under the mat.

#alienation #bodily change #identity #impermanence #transience

28 likes · 6 comments · 1 trophy

gold The Things We Cannot Keep

Comments

Tnort · Feb 4, 2026

that last line about the keys under the mat really got me.

Adrian Bennett · Feb 6, 2026

The part about the veins looking like a map is cool.

Opal Hart · Feb 6, 2026

thanks! it's a weird thing to notice about yourself but i'm glad that part stood out.

zivaqai · Feb 9, 2026

The knee sound description is definitely accurate.

Opal Hart · Feb 9, 2026

sadly true. it’s getting louder every year lol.

zivaqai · Feb 9, 2026

I feel like i need a can of wd-40 most mornings.

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