it’s inky water
flowing behind me
trying to nip at my heels.
it’s dulled now,
by the intoxicating liquid
burning down my throat.
it’s molasses
heated
i step in its sticky puddle,
and it’s carried up my leg.
disgusted, i reach down to wipe it off.
it only clings to my fingers
and oozes up my arm
and leaves my hand covered
in the thick
brown
sauce.
i am frightened now
i freeze.
dread fills my features
i know it will not stop
and on and on it goes
i am immaculately sticky
shining and
shaking.
it’s panic epitomized.
it surges up my neck.
i hold my head high
although i know it won’t help;
it’s just instinct.
i scream.
it flows down my throat.
into my stomach, into my lungs
into my core, into my being.
my eyes are flashing
it’s all over
i drown
in more ways than one
and the inky substance
exudes from my body
and seeps into the ground
and is gone
leaving the residue
of me.
- 2003