CALL ME BELOVED

Hang me on some new skeleton,
give me a ribcage polished gleaming
to cage up my waiting-room soul –
stress dreaming sprawling airports,
lost tickets, forever just too late and
rushing towards some perfect dread,
the plummeting lurch in your gut
that rips you awake. 3 AM, panting.
Outside it’s silent. The world sleeps.

Remake me, small as my dreams.
Most content in corners –
watchful wisher, breathing
deliciously shallow breaths,
borrowed air sweet honey mead,
I’ll drink deep, I’ll make myself sick –
known glutton for punishment, friends
gather for interventions, all terrified
of how I’ve romanticized the ache.
I drink deep. I make myself numb.

Turn me opaque, now,
I’m ready to be seen.
Arms weary and stretched wide
desperate to hold on until
all strength finally gives –
ecstatic heart thrashing
in a cage of creaking ribs,
cracked teapot still desperate
to pour, there is so much more
warmth left to give, remake me
strong enough, someone worthy,
I’m ready, I’ll drink deep, I’ll pour