seamstress
coarse fibers unravel – we are a light pink ball gown
hacked at the hem; my silk metamorphoses into
moth-eaten yarn underneath your fingertips. we are
burning up, rosy mesh swirling like melted bubblegum;
layers upon layers of fabric writhe on our hands
like a snake’s nest, embroidered eyes narrowing
as forked tongues unfurl. the familiarity of our fighting
is almost comfortable – but when your eyes
peer into mine, satin waterfalls freeze; i rot
like sweet plum skins under your sweltering
gaze. my white tongue waltzes into a knot;
i take on the form of tongue-tied voodoo doll,
you are corrupted puppeteer, frayed wires pulling at
heartstrings and tangled limbs alike. in the eye of the
storm we attempt to weave ourselves whole again,
vomiting apologies we don’t mean; you defend
yourself vehemently as i lick my injured skin;
power over me calms you so i let you have it.
in the dark of the night, we are koi fish swimming
in spoiled ink; the names of other girls bloom
like marigolds in your mouth; i pray you choke
on the petals. fabric splits; secrets shoved in
heavy pockets, zip ties coiled on your lips. you see me
only sometimes but always through a scratched keyhole.
an incomplete list of what we are:
toxic, tempting, textiles, tornados,
lackluster topaz bursting at the seams.
you do not love me, you love
the seamstress i can be for you.
but i have no bruises to show.
shrapnel flying,
i sink my teeth into our
double-stitched seam;
your threads can learn to mend themselves.