THE BODY

This frail envelope,

the body.

Vortex, anima, vessel

dance of blood and breath

weight of the organs

curve of the spine

molars welded to the jaw

mute rungs of the palate

brain floating behind the bent plate of the skull

liquid orbs of the eyes

heart beating under the ribs

I feel the slow pulse under my skin

veins fluttering at the wrist

long bones of the arm, web of the hands.

outline of thigh and kneecap

the human silhouette

I see the shadowy shape of myself

I see my face, a dim oval in the dark mirror

in a room at dusk, in last light.