digging claws with abandon
it stares at me in wonder
feet with needles work their batter
crawling across my thigh, slip- scraping,
I don’t need to move – it catches itself
hooks in for support, finds its thorny footing

the sting is no longer feared
it will sizzle but then only fizzle
I look to preserve it

reckless and barefoot in grass – in glass
packing cuts with dirt until they scab
scratching them until they bleed
I squeeze them and stare in wonder
I can’t resist a good scar
I cherish their pink shimmer

I only wanted more blood
it will drip but inevitably seal
I didn’t cause it but I look to keep it

I unconsciously stacked the heaviest loads
on the flimsiest contraptions
I fiddled with them, lying to myself
that I was worried of being crushed
little I realized I wanted to know
what its weight would feel like
how long it would last

bracing for the impact
like knowing the floor below will drop out
and send you hurdling down

please so I can savor it
2008