(r)aw

first lover-

taught at the tips of her claws

bloodied- vanished into the hush of the night-

forgotten, bruised, Raw.

–

than you, a foreman, building our home- slowly

homely hands warmed my soul- yet

the scars bled too deep.

inevitably, leaving us, Raw.

–

now, chief surgeon’s table- my chest pried wide-

gaped wide enough to let her soul in.

she stitches through my veins; prowls on all fours

lovingly, passionately, deeply, Raw.