the Pholiota terrestris.
Saprobic, sometimes
lives on rotting
wood or grows in ground clusters.
Moderately toxic,
but not enough to kill.
Just enough to make one ill.
Like an ex.
Linda Lamenza’s full length collection of poetry, Feast of the Seven Fishes, was published by Nixes Mate in 2024. Her work has appeared in Lily Poetry Review, The Comstock Review, The Tishman Review, and elsewhere. Her chapbook, Left-Handed Poetry, is available from Finishing Line Press (2024).