PANG

Thin, piercing my throat

sliding sharp an executioner's blade

through skin, flat veins, the heart's membrane

mutilating my organs, deceitful,

intricate coils -

a giant pang

so I know the shape of my eyesockets

bone pressing skin

the track of fiery nerves

carrying pain.

Pang. To decipher

the hieroglyphics of your past -

to know why I sculpture your contours

smooth, lulled.

ã Kate Humphrey

RUNNING

The taste of fruit in my mouth

I want to run and run

I never want to stop

the sound of days is what I run for

the pure space between worlds

the roar of blood is what I run for

the bending of life's gauze

black sparks before my eyes is why I run

running sets you free

I wanted to devour the world

like Eve devoured the apple

now I taste its juice

sliming my chin

© Kate Humphrey

Published The Poets’ Alphabet Book, 1996