the body is a factory, capable of producing
coal and diamonds and pearls alike,
all encased in flesh and guts.

the liver grinds out copper,
the stomach mercury, the kidneys emeralds:
jewels cavort in the bloodstream.

the body entertains itself,
but also defends and supports itself
and the tender skin it is veiled in.

when the heart is confused,
it lets metal into the bloodstream,
iron ore to supplement the bones

so that when my spine fails me, when my
skeleton crumbles at your slightest pressure,
there will still be resistance.