"My feet are cold," one says. And the legless man replies: "So are mine; so are mine."

[lathriel]

suddenly a fragile thing
fleshy with delicate curves
dug out from the coral where
the parasites bore you to death
gnashing teeth
and the midnight man constructed your life

suddenly a fleshy thing
aware of desire you once feared to posses
snug in strong arms
you cling to them, and you tear away
and you leave the man armless
but He smiles because He's your Father and He understands

suddenly a desirable thing
power churning in virgin veins
galloping over fluorescent coals, treading lightly
on scorched earth
the fire flows from your breast
it's singed your heart irreparably

suddenly a powerful thing
debutante god in a mortal cage
grinning with the satisfaction of revenge
still desire, still flesh, still fragile
deepest visceral hunger finally sated
trembling with the darkest joys of animal victory