Releasing the Dam

Bloodletting
down my neck
across collarbone
trapped in chest hair
until it dries. I do this
by choice.

fountains
around my fingernail
flesh ripped raw.
I am a cannibal
after all. Can’t help
myself. It’s what
connects me to the
apes, to my cats
who are doing
the same thing.
Chewing chewing.

eases
its way
down my arm
a scab I refuse to let
heal. The red takes
it’s own path, has
its own agenda
and I am left unaware.
I’m only the supplier.

diffuses
with water
in the drain
streams down my leg
now a river since
I’ve released the dam
popped the bubble
nicked the skin
trying to be clean.
Smooth and clean.

You watch all of this
and become
that much
more
alive
than
I.

10/24/10