And so I gave him my hand
And he turned it quizzically over within his
Skin weaving against skin
As he counted up each didget
One piggy
Three piggy
More.
Meat.
And he thumbed each lying line down to my palm
And trickled his fingers over the bone
Before tracing and placing his nails
Against the bloodied stump of home

He looked up
Why did you do it?
His voice a curious void

"They said I should lend you hand."
I said

Brow furrowed
Consideration
He cries
"I think you thought a tad too literal...but, thanks."

"Are you sure it's enough?"
My stumps substance soaked into my socks.

"Only they said to be prepared"

They didn't mean any harm

"That you might want the arm."