---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Distances” Down in the Dirt v213 (11/23) Order the paperback book:

Order this writing that appears in the one-of-a-kind anthology Instant Karma the Down in the Dirt September-December 2023 issues collection book		get the 422 page September-December 2023 Down in the Dirt 6" x 9" ISBN# perfect-bound paperback book:

Swallow

Mary Paulson

I’m face down.
Isn’t this what I’m good for? To ease
gravity, drain your
dense blackness, the ugly soul,
its attendant secret violence, every
man’s seething, terrific rage—

I can take it. This is what I’m
made for. I’ve swallowed
that lie whole.

A secret, coded message
wound into my intestines, braided
among the ligaments and
tendons of my long
legs, taking a slow ride
through my being, multiplying
cell after bad cell—

Squeeze my waist, hold
down my hips, bruise
the underside of my pale arm.

That’s the deal.
I’ll take it— every rapacious,
murderous itch—
stitch myself up a belly full
of your black blood,
but you have to
love me for it, otherwise
all this rotting work for nothing.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...