Page 13 - Contrast2012

delusional,
dead.

III

My mouth opens to scream
at me but
the only outbound sound
is smoke.
A burning blister bursts
behind my upper lip
(WebMD's convinced it's cancer).
The soft palate sheds
sheer slivers of skin;
it's raw
like the fresh cut Catch-of-the-Day.
My taste buds fall
from my tongue like
fleshy confetti, or
dandruff, or
ash.
Ihuff and
Ipuff but
this chim-chim-cheree chimney
is too stubborn or strong
or stupid
to blow
down.

contrast I 11