rounding error

we met friday

of course the 13th

a man they called christ

died

by torture

from his own cult

we celebrate

by burning everything

burnable

winter ends

hoping for spring

for summer

soon

waiting

to be kissed

on our doorsteps

but

it was a mistake

war started

snow fell like ice picks

traces

blown away

reddened eyes

no longer

finding the way

holding hands

in the stormy night

on the way home

it was a mistake

he said

—

I answered

not even that

—

now you stand there

but there is no you

I have erased

the number

the equation closes

without remainder

a rounding error

Gerlinde Hacker

Gerlinde Hacker is a writer, literature activist, and performer based in Vienna, Austria. Her work spans various formats and genres, including texts for festivals, books, essays, and contributions to anthologies and literary magazines. Her publications reflect a diverse range of themes, from personal dialogues and societal observations to poetic explorations. Latest Publications: störfeuer. Anthology of the IG feministische Autorinnen which showcases her engagement with feminist literature. It highlights her efforts to challenge societal norms and contribute to the feminist discourse through her writing; BE-GEGNEN. A text for the Mölltaler Geschichten Festival, 2019; shortlist. A collection of texts, 2018. aufgebrochen, 2018; meine wahrheit kennt deine wirklichkeit nicht - ein dialog. Text and photo book, 2018