The Self Absorbed
Jonathan Sismesmal
A freshly sheared ewe produced
Thread from the spindle;
Strung through toe and fingernails
One hand is drawn closed;
Crumpled toes like in ballet shoes
Pull beak shaped hand towards foot.
One hand and foot point at sweet mouth
And yarn asks to rest there.
The eyes open;
The nose breathes;
The lips crack;
The string is swallowed.
The content smile reveals
The clean, white, and warm teeth:
The only things we see--
That will look the same
A thousand years after death.
Twine pulls arms and legs in mouth;
Teeth break down muscle and bone:
Digesting itself.
The shoulders and neck,
The spine, ribs, and heart
Are each enveloped--
Leaving the brain intact.
Who will make a hole in their head
And pull the line out?
