Love goes the way of 

small bruises: a collar 

 
 

of pinprick fingerprints. 

Each burst capillary 

 
 

teaches me patience. 

Open wound knits itself 

 
 

together around intrusion: 

pain as part of the self. 

 
 

Rendering of flesh becomes 

declaration of love. 

 
 

Kindness as a balm 

on burning skin. The flat, open 

 
 

palm can hit or hold. 

Indecision as an act 

 
 

of violence.