1
this is where the throat gives way and the Achilles tendon
we glimpse our black dog at the edge of the forest
we try not to stare
his ribs can be accounted for, his hip bones
this is the version where you bear up the universe
you build an animal skeleton
you breathe life back into the dry bones
this is where I want you to empty your pockets
this is the version where you approach from across the field
and this is where we go gently
and this is where you rip out our intestines and stroke our hair
and this is where the water seeps in