I'm a cannibal
and this is the rough game

knowledge is much different
from need
a breath
a glance
the blade within the bone

the undercurrent
curves beneath

I'm looking for someone
who's something like me
an island
a silence
a glossary of faith

I run my hands
through her sturdy mane
think of wind
of bodies
of long gestations
that taste like letting go

my body
is both journey and destination
sinew tying skeleton to flesh
my ribs stack neatly over
my unprotected heart
open into nearly disaster
I am solemn
silent
innocent of skin

I want to put this all behind me
I used to be a child
with cords around my neck
but now I'm roiling waters
the shallow bowl
with just the faintest scar
across my waiting thighs