Previously Published in Our Day's Encounter . . .

            VII

I buried myself

up to my chin.

In the hollow flesh

of men

who were all-too-happy

to sacrifice

for cause.

Then I colored my hair

with their eyes.

And my lips,

well, I believe they speak

for themselves.

Still I lacked the heat

to hold your attention.

So I left you my scars.

But I never realized

they formed a map.

Too late.

I followed you instead.

Deeper.

               Deeper.

Until I could not breathe.

For anything.

But the pulse

of your blood.

(https://adaysencounter.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/vll/)