need
your arms surround my body like a cage
within them though i feel that i am freed
of all the need for masks of terror drawn
by dark necessities behind my eyes
you do not ask that i reveal myself
or that i open more than my big legs
but leaning on my calf with bristled cheek
you take that which belongs to you tonight
distracted by a seeming greater love
i wandered for awhile into a hall
of mirrors with their backs all facing me
but seeking not reflection pressed ahead
until my eye was shredded in my skull
by broken glass exploding in the light
the warnings of companions filled my ears
preparedness saved my hide from further doom
from s.m.v. to scathing truths of man
and venom of supposed enemies
i drank to bolster my immunity
all came to fore in battle for my soul
so here i lay beneath your rain of sweat
enduring punishments for girlish dreams
a wiser woman gratefully redeemed
submitting fully to reality
the lesser man in need of surer things
cannot contain a woman with my head
for cages made of words rely on trust
and trust is only earned upon the flesh
and true as death you give me what i need
you show me what there is no need to say
your kindness and your cruelty alike
are real and thus deserving of respect
