what I learned and what I unlearned

what I learned

and what I unlearned

through a covering of sparse nettles

I was so close to breathing

to the ghost of freedom



lay your hands at your sides

the fur inside your throat

you wheeze and claw

but no succor comes


lay down

in the path of the storm

it will assault your soul

and then will pass,

your brilliant compassion,

sparkling with fresh light,

left raw to the coming dawn