LC Gutierrez

RECOVERY PROGRAM: STEP 1

I followed my self into the bone-
flavored night bent back
greedy for penance
twelve steps, twelve lashes, helped
let

me break myself on the first flat
rock I found unbound
then set to piece myself together
a place where some would watch me
go

but most were willing
to look another way I
cradled myself blew gently
into my keening ear and
let

my hands lay thick
my tongue stillborn numb
until I made my mouth
a furnace for any clay
God

to reckon me in shreds
and tear free what was left
so I could claim touch me here
now this might be real

prev
next