Vera Lucia
Mar 26, 2026
I dwell at the pyramid's foot.
I climb, my nails hanging between the brick.
I suck my thumbs in despair, in woe.
The taste is jagged
It is thirst.
It tasted like everything—
like sweat.
Sweat I shed,
marbles escaping from the
canyons between my eyes
like fallen climbers down mountains
Like dust,
Filling my nose then settling
heavy in my heart
Dry like enemy bones.
Unstoppable, insatiable.
Ever left bitter or envious,
Black, poisoned mouthful.
The flavour lingered on my gritted teeth
never on my mind.
About the Author:
Vera Lucia narrates the voice of a young girl, using words to navigate her life and the people
around her. Having discovered her spark for writing from her picture book days, she carries
with her a fire to map her world out — so that others who read her work may discover their
voice. Writing leads her to corners of her mind and the minds of others, corners that she
deems are worth being recognised and loved. Seeing beauty in everything — that is the
driving inspiration for her work. As she grows, she hopes to push past her limits, forever
learning and never fearing.