| |
| stars |
for j
|
| fingernails crack |
| scatter the sky catch |
| |
| as hangnails clinging |
| to the black fingers of night |
| |
| shining stubborn |
| this glowingness |
| |
| the glitter on your face |
| ambition never tears |
| |
| words hold you up |
| set the bridge of your nose |
| |
| such rock femininity |
| men stand incredulous. |
| |
| under the thumbnail |
| of your allure |
| |
| they use you |
| less than you use them |
| |
| feed needs beyond |
| what you believe you need |
| |
| they give swelled heat hot |
| and ready tongues |
| |
| eager to please |
| possess |
| |
| and you pare yourself off |
| like fingernail crescent |
| |
| gifts to them |
| dark hands cupped catch |
| |
| moon and stars |
| |
| early 1997 |
| s.spachman |