steeped in twilight, i walk as softly as i can, the rusted steps that ascend to the place where i will attempt to commune with your wild heart. the bloodbeat of me echoes in my steps and every bone in my body, but i can only go forward. i know the universe will damage me when it can. the winds are only just beginning to rise; i hear my past echoed back to me in the hiss of the swaying trees.

open palms, open wrists, i streak the walls, i scuff the concrete, the brick gritty in old smoke and grime. at least now i know whose blood this is. dirt has ruled me since birth, the limey concourse of my body in this imperfect state, and i will always open myself to it again.

named, my holes are immense: it is clear that i can neither see nor hear. in the last gasp before the thunderstorm sinks its grey teeth into the earth, i am mesmerized by the ends that you are. i welcome you, beautiful heart, into the swirling chasms of my body, the battleground of my mouth, the gathering greenness of my flood.