Nicole Tallman

Black Light

There’s a cathedral at the end of this
chapter. I don’t make the rules, but no one
can go. Once, when I was delirious, I saw
the devil. Her red horns and wings
were dusted in snow. Hell isn’t as hot
as they say it is. Nothing is true,
we know. There’s a field of poppies
and a field of roses. Do you want the high
or the thorns? Take the black light in,
and you can’t let anything go.

‍

Note: “White Light” and “Black Light” were first published in Bad Lilies.

Write with us. Learn with us. Publish with us.
Join a growing community of poets & readers.
Early access to calls, workshops, and updates.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
No spam. No ads. No data-selling. Unsubscribe anytime.
MEMBERSHIP PORTAL    |    FAQ   |    SUBMIT
2025 ONLY INK, Inc. All rights reserved.
ONLY POEMS®️ and associated marks are trademarks of ONLY INK, Inc. All individual works are copyrighted by their respective authors. All poems, essays, and artworks published on this site remain the intellectual property of their creators and may not be reproduced without explicit permission. The views expressed in published works are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of ONLY INK, Inc., its editors, or affiliated entities. While many works draw on lived experience, they may contain fictionalized elements; no reference to any real person is intended or should be inferred. ONLY POEMS is an ad-free, independent, reader-supported publication.