SALT SHAKER 

by Carter Hemion

Cylinder slides in sausage fingers;

I wait on you every meal.

From lead to feather I lessen my load—

There is not a lump I will conceal.


Belly bloats with potent powder;

My skin is alabaster gloss.

I rescue recipes you distrust.

Shake and shake and shake (who’s boss?).


Look up and find me half empty;

Minerals rest at ripe commands.

Eggshell springs elemental release,

Lets loose briny sands.


Single palm tall, I sit and stay;

You sift from me small stones.

I am your soldier and obey—

All for your pillar of salt.

Carter Hemion is a Pacific Northwest-based writer. They document life through poetry and embrace being a queer, mad creator and rare disease advocate. When not writing, they can be found drinking tea and watching birds. Find them on Instagram @carter_cricket.