fragments

capture from another angle
off-the-beaten path
click shutter exposure
an image reversal

aspire to be unfolded and read
word-for-word uncoiled
yesterday pressed onto the page
mulled over and disclosed

desire to be ensnared
in a web of tender whisper-lies
a balmy undercurrent
pulling down

enslave the imagination
fractured phrases
clings like a measure of music
playing over and over

devour a morsel
consumed whole
a smooth continuous
engulfment.

Fever Pitch

My ardent devotion suffocates me.
Grasp with strained fingertips to
loosen it from around my neck.

It’s been too long since a deep wintry air
has filled my belly
to cool off the searing heat.

Dark expansive space
before my eyes
within this skin.

Too long since the rains
have come down to quench the fever.
The waters fold in.

The rains should wash away
this corrosive state
instead it scalds
leaving behind
tattered bits,
threads showing bare.

Caustic tongue holds my silence plain
Burgundy lips sealed tight
Quiet the intensity
Subdue the chaos

Tidbits

Desire cleaves to
sumptuous honey droplets

Clings like a measure of music
that plays over and over

Gathers smooth pebbles
place them in deep pockets

Collects slashes of color
from a textured painting

Press yesterday onto the page.

Not Coming Undone

Do not lean against her
a mere ball of unraveling string
she ties herself in knots
to keep from disappearing
as another strand unfurls.

Grace

She swallows her words
in slow syllables
against the sharp consonants
incremental slices.

She swallows whole
her need to be heard
chases it down with fiery brew
singes her tongue
numbs the rage
refrains from grasping
the person she once was.

Where did she lose her sleep?
Sweat slides down
between her breasts
head of steam from the iron
leaves beads of condensation
on her upper lip
back hand swipe
wipes away the wetness.

Her mind
writes away the aftermath
of the day before
month before
years ago

Memories gather like moths in her mouth
and storms forward
the afterlife of sorrow
smoothed over
gathers no dust
weathers the electricity
travels down her body.
After-thoughts churn
unsaid words,
unanswered replies
leaves deep grooves across her bones.