Chemical reduction, iron becomes rust. I become nothing
more than a body that is seventeen
years old. Twenty-one, he is hooked tongue, swollen
with thirst. Arms are raspberry branches bent
into thorned ringlets. Prickled legs, dual inflections
suffocating my midsection. I am fevered skin
that blushes like berry stains – ashamed
of its own audacity.
***
Pneumonic cough, I am hollow and bloody.
His skin tastes like self loathing
and Vicks Vapor rub. We make worship
to a knife tip, Looking for salt
and pepper salvation in pinpricks.We live
with the desperation of a double suicide.
***
Twenty-one, he taught me
how to forget my name. I become a decanter
on his nightstand, throat choking on rose water. I become his vase,
china blue shellac. Chronicling
slow degeneration. An accident, the ceramic is broken
in seven places. I become nothing
more than a body that is seventeen
years old.