magpie #216

for Magpie Tales.

I am frightened by the oceans in my heart,

the tides pushing my blood

in frantic red channels

and the crisp moon 

defying its orbit in my belly -

dripping pretty paragraphs.

A parade of souls traipses through,

stirring up the ash & soot

collecting in the folds

of my paper lungs.

Puddles of glass

intermingle with

black earth.

Mutely, I gasp,

tasting the cold air,

and cross my fingers you'll stay

in spite of the chill.

magpie #214

for Magpie Tales.

Glass strung on black wires.
Reaching with the soft skin of a child,
fingers splayed in the yellow light.

Struck by a sudden
penetrative pain.

Reeling, I take another bite.
I dare to let my hair down.
I curl into your palms.

And slowly
I revert to my old ways;
stop the bleeding.