Who I Should Be

Knocked the pennies from my eyes

And slung me forwards through my younger years.

I know there was cow’s blood still warm on the backs of my hands.

I washed it off after one of two twins told me it wasn’t right.

But now my own blood races,

It warms my ears and they pulsate with enthusiasm.

My breath seems to snag on thorns in my throat and then

Something new happens.

 

I try again to balance the pennies

But my vision turns to the gentle glow spreading

Across my shoulders and

Down my back

And I can feel every inch it travels.

The heat becomes agony but not before I smash the clocks

And hurl my watch across the lake.

 

Count to three.

Remember to breathe.

This isn’t a reflex.

 

My toes whiten and tears stain my jeans.

Pressure in my shoulder blades.

 

The skin bursts

 

Feathers stretch out

 

And I jump.

Reviews

[just is]

love the 3rd stanza and on down.
deep write, so nicely expressed.