‘Pythagoras Theorem’ by Mari Ellis Dunning

The brightly lit vowels of your name danced
across the room and squared with mine.

From September to July, we sat side-by-side,
trading algebraic secrets and learning the shapes
of one another.

That year, I learned the accidental touch of fabric
under a too-small table, the hardness of plastic chairs,
the softness of your presence.

I learned the tinted embarrassment of schoolgirl
silliness, a breaking voice.

I learned that you, in your wholesome teenage
solidness, were equal to the
spliced
pieces of myself.

From issue #5: autumn/winter 2017

About the Author
Mari Ellis Dunning lives on the coast of Swansea, which is sometimes grey and always glorious. She has an MA in Creative Writing and will be embarking on doctoral study at Aberystwyth University in September. Mari’s favourite things are dogs, coffee and dramatic eyeliner.