Life's Blood

My heart weeps in its fleshy prison.
Rhythm in time, beating its proper measure, 
I find the pace begin to quicken.
And lo’, like a discarded cigarette in a drought, 
The flames spread outward �" a bloodthirsty legion, 
Brutal, violent, savage �" the rage grips me in a seizure.
One would think me stricken, 
Upon gazing on my still form, caring naught

For the opinion of others. My conscious withers away, 
Burnt beneath the blazing sun of my heart �" of all hearts
That find themselves trapped or worse: 
Hidden. Submerged in the mind’s flow
Of gentle thoughts, begging, “may
I have a moment.” A moment of peace which marks
The passing days with a careless, hoarse
Voice. One unwilling to grow

In joy and mocking laughter, in mischievous
Glee and odd delight.
I am soothed by beauty that passes without notice; 
A crack in a wall, or the last bit of whiskey in a dark bottle.
Alone on a shore, watching the wind play a raucous
Tune with the waves, as the rain leaden clouds travel swiftly by, turning the land from dark to light, 
And dark again, remembering the woman’s skin in coitus, 
My bed our stage and she a model
For all I ever wanted and more.