1

there are so many

                                     in here now that

it’s easier to imagine I am

                     collecting them like cards

of cartoon characters                     til

they leave more lost and longing

                                         than they ever

thought possible

 

2

somewhere aside my body or

             just above my head their

little doings and leavings like rats

in my bones and bloody are my

responses when I let the Spirit in

to fully fill my face my dim

green eyes now

black and I become somehow

taller          stranger      uncontained

it is between me and whatever you

are I will never become that shallow

                           Again

                       A          gain

                     A              gain

 

3

Isis will

              take her fill regardless

of your condition

 

                there will be screaming

 

or the quiet dismantling

of a mind not trying but trying

to try

and dying

                      though the numbers

never leave

                your own life

 binds you to your

                         greatest foe

     the fire of knowing may

 immolate or release you

and if you are found empty on those                                     

Great-mooned nights     

still           she           will take

take                take               take