Before Words

she would toddle to the hall
and fetch our shoes. One by one,
the left would be flung, shortly followed
by the right. She knew my tan trainers.
My sister’s blue converse. That is how we knew
she had tired of visitors. As I drained my coffee,
tied my laces, I envied her audaciousness.
Her wide-eyed disregard for etiquette.

I remember the shape of the word rainbow
on her puckered mouth, how we sounded
it out from my bedroom window.
How seen we have to be for the pretty things
to come first – once tears become obsolete,
we speak in colour.

After the movie

you drove to my house – slowly – 
so that we could spend more time  
with fingers entwined. I wonder,  
does it keep you up at night 
to know I have the reg plate memorised? 
The last three letters make a funny  
word and I won’t forget it. How do you 
sleep with the echoes of pretty things  
you told me, do they screech like my fingernails  
across the sleek black body?  
Or would you recall them  
with more clarity if I used my keys. 
They’re here, at the ready, poised  
between my knuckles. You said 
you’d keep me like I was a flower  
to press between the pages of a book. 
Now I am a nettle that wants too  
much – you like me on my knees. 
I drop to them, fingertips ready 
to interfere with a break-pad. Wires 
are easy to slice through. As easy 
as resting a forehead on a forehead 
and gazing into brown eyes as though 
you found home. I recommend  
you drive there – slowly.

Chloe Hanks is a poet based in York, UK. Recipient of the V Press Prize for Poetry in 2020, she has published 4 short poetry projects including May We All Be Artefacts (2021) and I Call Upon the Witches (2022). Her recent work has appeared in Ink, Sweat & Tears, The Passenger’s Journal and York Literary Review. She is currently completing her PhD in Creative Writing with York St John University where she teaches English Literature and Creative Writing. She is co-host for local open mic, Howlers and Festival Director for York Literature Festival’s 2026 cycle.

Chloe is currently working on a full length poetry collection, Such Violent Glamour, through which she discusses the history of poison and beautification.