Our land of opportunities had padded walls
A snaking labeled hall with numbered rooms
We walked in peace right through the door
But having entered, fought to the floor
Room one
Sit in the blood square
For five minutes
And don’t speak or stir
Her vision blurred from the palm pressing eye
Heavy because she had spit in mine
Sideways face in mildewed waste as legs and arms were trapped
Thrashing core meant bear hug wrap, job of five for three
Bites and banging bone on brick
Flesh in nails and teeth in kick
Gagging sputters mucous river
Choking, sobbing, cheek to dust
***** gurgle, stomach churned and arms made sore vibrations
Battle on, gnashed front bucks and saliva begged for hold
Gave up and gave in, counted and relaxed
But because of fatigue
Not because
She gave
A
****
Can you hear me in there
Slow down
Who am I
You?
Where are we
The oh-*******-see
Center of calm in torrential tempest
Room two
Share my glare and ice your raccoon bruise
Dimly lit from lack of wit but process all the same
Careful frame to highlight spark of pain, making work from game
Criss cross apple sauce sitting in the rain
Room three
Her best attempt
Turn the time to line
She fumbled and forgot a lot but in the end was fine
Room four
Plan for pupil fish to return to learn
Apologize profusely and repair the damaging deeds
It was late so
I walked home
She slept in an office
And my skin healed eventually