Here I am
inside your rattle
of bones.
Moisten
the part of you
that can find me.
I nibbled off your baby’s
fingernails and ran
an empire. I lived in a closet
twice because the rent
was cheap. I threw legendary
dinner parties. Your husband
taught me to sing.
I was naked.
It was dark. I made
people
laugh.
I am here
inside this fog
that clogs your head.
Claw your way
back to me.
I promised you
when you grew tired
and slow
I would
remind you:
be imprudent
with your love;
wring out your gratitude,
leave no blessings
behind.