—I WISH YOU’D CAUGHT ME ON A DIFFERENT DAY, WHEN IT WAS EASIER TO BE HAPPY

the widow

crushes a black veil

the lace as frail and

vulnerable as a

an orchid or 

orphaned child

the widow, she

paints a blind stare

over each sky-ed eye and

advices me to never to

kiss too intently

swallow my tongue and

any meandering spittle

eradicate the friction,

the widow says

abolish unnecessary bliss

ensure the mattress is

less than sturdy

borrowed and broken

entirely uncomfortable

every bulb burnt out

the chested organs pardoned

aloof and unfocused

but before that, the widow says

spoon honey from a jar

use your old fingers

and lap slowly

like a dog or goat

notice how it can smell

fresh as grass

perhaps floral fruity

or smoky

have a good look around

surveil the second

hand hammering

hammering the seconds

next, the widow says

chew on the viscous glass

as if you’re famished

hear your teeth

grind and crack

open your throat like

a funnel

wash it all down with

optimistic vigor

equal parts spent saliva

and blood