I’d like to put it down
rest my arms
and shoulders
shrug
lay my head on
smooth stones
rather than rocks
ash lays deep
Small brass bells
on every hem and hair
opposite pearls
irritations of the mind
metastasized
My hands grip and strangle
beyond caress
I’d like to put it down
pick up
where we left off
I’d sing
You’d say
your song
my name
each bell tolls
heavier than before
let me put it down
pick you up
Toss you to the sun
catch you in my mouth
swallow all
