Sweet, sterile, smooth, smothering Epithelial aerobics abound Cells curl and desiccate like tips of leaves past their prime - Just give me one second.
I now live authentically, I say to myself My heart is in the mountains Despite words gurgled from my sweaty face in the swirling splendid solitude of darkness – “Help!” is what I mean to say, but as I break the barrier between liquid and atmosphere It is the air that chokes my breath - Just one moment.
Bacterial bile bubbles up At the sight of Dirt – contamination – fear Everywhere. In pores Out of pores Under nails – No, no more nails now – Stuck deep inside my skin – That no brush’s bristles can ever scrub away Still, I try – God knows I try! – Skin raw and red and deserving. They’re in my wounds, too – Salts and chemicals I choose to douse But it only eats deeper There is a ragged red hole in my skin now - Just give me one second.
Jaw tight, teeth ache, head pounds Hands dry despite the fatiguing humidity So it helps to see the crimson creeping up the flag of my disposition I like this proof of biological clarity, Like rainwater gliding up the capillaries of a plant In reverse - So just hold on one moment.
There was a time when I felt truly free, I know it in my heart of hearts. I was free once Certainly, I was free I was free I was truly free - So just give me one second.