TO A STRAND OF YOUR HAIR

I awoke to find you wrapped in a single
Coil around two of my back teeth, suggestively
Toying with my tongue. So I gently prodded
You with a finger and tried to pull you in
Before you gave to my finger’s calling

And slid from my mouth. After this careful
Purging, I held you up to see you more clearly.
Then let you fall from the side of our old bed,
Rose, and walked to the bathroom basin
Where I brushed my teeth twice that morning.

Originally Published:
The Alembic (Spring 2005)