I could not be told to dance more
passionately than by the whips of the circus leader
gripping his authority
harder than I thought he could.

Know how fast I can regrow
an old tail at times like this
to maneuver through change
as if it were a flood
with no forewarning.
I'm good at holding my breath.  

Sour is a flavor
constantly wanting more
making you take a sip of water
to cleanse what you've just
swam so heavily through
and all I want right now
is a long fresh gulp
of water.