Ever beat your fists wildly
against the wind? Ever slashed
your wrists for other’s sins?
Ever lay your body like sod
for lovers to trod upon? Have you

ever stirred at the crack
of a long leather switch? Reached deep
inside to scratch an uncatchable itch?
Ever scream so loudly you choke
on the stroke of a single word? Have you

ever been so terrorized
your blood doesn’t flow it curdles?
Ever know the sound of your heart
pounding in your ear? Ever been crushed
by the weight of your own stare? Have you?