I draw the bolt, you jimmy the lock
I yank the shades, you tap at the glass
I'm shut against you like a fort
But you seep through, your foot-
Prints multiplying overnight
Spreading over the carpet like a dew
Devouring mist
You're in the air I breathe
You're growing in my left breast
I hack you out, but you grow back
Hang on, jaws locked
You flop at my back, at my chest
Overhead, your yellow eye
Roving like a hawk
You swoop across my yard, your shadow
Blowing toward me in my sleep
You're piling high against the door
You're howling like a jackal on the other side
A whiff of me bristles your hock
You sniff the air and bay
Begin your long relentless trek
Loping out of the desert half-lame
Starving, stung by God
Raving like a locust plague
You pitch a tent on the edge of town
Preaching misery and doom
Jeremiah
I'm the moon
You're the ash on my face
Come, storm me, swarm my gate
I'll pitch you over the top
Even if you crack me like a cottonwood
My sap will hiss and issue forth alive
Fresh, seething
Thriving on your filth
I smear myself with you until I stink
Beat the tambourine, pour the wine!
This time, for the sheer joy, for the itch
In the soles of our feet
We dance, we celebrate, we lock once more
Our feet begin their wedding jig
Our legs and bellies shake
The scorpion flicks its tail erect
As flames close in
Your hot breath sweeps my cheek
I'm ready now
I feel the venom rise