This War Moves Through

This War Moves Through


This time the war moves, through

like a raven in my head

I woke up one morning and the world wasn’t there

Bird of prey, fed fat on the energy of the wounded,

Grounded, outside my door

a Single gunshot ripped out, cut across two generations

This is why I never knew my father’s father –

A blind man, his best friend, last saw him

Alive. Hunting. The two of them. That day

Where Once There Was Stone

Where Once There Was Stone


I want to get inside my chest
Lay my body down, straddle it - a Rapist, a Lover,
Witch Doctor with blunt instrument, To hit and hit

against rib cage until skin breaks, Turns, bone and blood
Pools where once there was no space
Get inside - smash and open
To breathe, for the first time

Look with innocence, longingly. Gee, there is a heart in there and Yes it beats. Still


I hate that I must do this. Stone tool instead of sharp knife because I just haven't evolved that much. Yet

I feel a bit of kindness, warmth spread across open chest and realize
I am human after all


And I can die, just like anyone