Everything, Everything
Everything, everything I give to them. As you gave to me: the bigger half; the warmest part; the hours once your own. The only thing you kept: raspberries, eaten at the sink, eyes closed.
Then, I was given everything. Now, I have everything again, but of another sort – hands full, heart brimming, mind fogged, bones tired. Everything, everything, there is always more.
So I stand by the sink and I eat raspberries, wishing still to be held by you, but now holding them.
VIVIAN LORD works in programme management on a large climate and biodiversity-related programme. She volunteers as a competition shortlister with Write the World. She is an Art History graduate, and previously worked as an interior designer. Her first novel On Turning Tides was longlisted for the BPA First Novel Award 2025, and her short story ‘Release pen’ was shortlisted for the The London Magazine Short Story Award 2025.
