i
somewhere within
there bleeds the
wound that
wrung tears from
my eyes as a
child.
the wound the
buddha can’t
touch.
the wound that darkens the
heart; dims the
smile; doesn’t know
how to
heal.
the pain that
goes jabbing into the
night.
ii
how can it hurt so
much to be
lonely?
among so many
treasures, a
broken
heart.
iii
what is this rage,
disgust, self-
hatred? where am i
dragging this wretched pus-
sack, seeping through my every
day?
iv
terrified chimp in a
psychological maze
grasping his metal frame
mother, sucking at
a plastic
teat.
v
if i can’t find love
why should i
be?
vi
naked on my
knees, trembling to be
touched, praying to be
kissed.
vii
how can anyone need a
woman so badly? i
want to carve out my
belly button with a
butcher’s knife so
i can give my life
back.
viii
when will this
suffering end?
no need for a hangman,
my tie’s caught in a wringer
& i’m on my
way!