i used to taste like finger nails,
ragged stumps refreshing
against my lips, like a sip
slaking thirst.

i proved my jaws powerful enemies
and de-clawed myself
to languish in
the burn of the quick.

when blood pumped to the furthest
reaches of my body,
my torn nails throbbed to the beat,
craving kisses.

my teeth were soft and
so was everything about me.
but strong enough
to be compared to steel.

i was powerful
when i made myself weak
because the universe
is hardly ever subtle.

now i taste like cigarettes,
the cheapest mint, and medicine
but my keys can open
thicker skins.