How to vanish
Instructions for an emotional disappearance
Step one: remove your name from your mouth.
Step two: fold your shadow until it fits a matchbox.
Breathe once. Forget you did.
Keep walking backwards until the air forgets your weight.
Don’t wave. Don’t pause.
Repeat: I am unthreading.
Repeat: I am unthreading.
Leave your eyes on the windowsill for the rain to borrow.
Trade your heartbeat for static.
When they call, answer with wind.
When they search, let the mirrors lie.
Last step: become the space between raindrops,
No edges, no echo, no you.
---
©susanfourtane 2025
About the Creator
Susan Fourtané
Susan Fourtané is a Science and Technology Journalist, a professional writer with over 18 years experience writing for global media and industry publications. She's a member of the ABSW, WFSJ, Society of Authors, and London Press Club.
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Comments (8)
Excellent! I found the unthreading part to be very interesting. Great job, Susan!
Wow, I absolutely love this poem so much, Susan!!! 🌹🌹🌹
'Fold your shadow until it fits a matchbox' Damn, it's not just folded, but it's small enough to feel insignificant. 'until the air forget your weight' like a balloon without air. Dark and chilling. 'i am unthreading' was a good line to repeat. 'leave your eyes on the windowsill for the rain to borrow' a fantastic imagery. A separation. A surrender. 'No edges, no echo, no you.' it's final. This was fantastic Susan 🤗❤️
A dark take on thee challenge, excellent words
Susan, this was excellent. That second line made me sit and gasp with the image you created. This must place.
"Leave your eyes on the windowsill for the rain to borrow." Oh wow, I freaking loved this line!
Riveting work Susan! BRAVO!
The image of becoming the space between raindrops really stuck with me. It’s such a soft, surreal way to vanish.