be a creature of passionate

wor(l)ds.

acutely taste the

wildness.

Dream Alligator:
Increased vulnerability
hidden aggression or force
basic needs of the survival
ancient wisdom

The machinery
of grace is simple.

We are made of
newspaper and smoke.

slick body between
shoulders and hips

tiny legs
glued into place

sweeping
resting tail
so smooth in
its positioning

pointed nose
soft grain

days of work

the fox enters
the wooded
cabin.

the chrysalis opens
and I regress

the water cocoon envelopes my body
and two hands reach through to
cleanse the roughage

sitting on a padded table in a
warm but sterile room
a woman in a rubber apron
hoses me down gently

partially naked
I accept her request
to wash my hair

she scrubs me down
but not raw, just pressure

just salt, just salt

she dances herbs
down my hallways

passages open

eucalyptus lingers
sometimes a little

too long

I accept her request
to wrap me up

to swaddle my adult
body

because

    why not?

following
     the
line down
    your body,

i put
    your sweetness in my mouth.

          it is a
great
              responsibility, young ladies,

to have ownership
over
your
bodies.

      Alive with sovereignty.

Drifting focus binds
chaotic awareness.

Mindful wandering
welcomes empty beings.

Early morning drives
through darkness.

Counting breaths
as snow falls.