Ecdysis
After Snakeskin Grisette (Amanita ceciliae)
Tonight, I feel compelled to shed my skin
and hurl this tarnished outer self aside.
I ask you for relief and you provide.
You tranquillise me with your liar’s grin.
A schism of the body and the mind –
like exorcising every anxious thought.
We can’t always unlearn the things we’re taught.
Tonight, I want to leave myself behind.
Another drink, and all the layers shift –
my outline fractures, leaves a perfect shell.
She looks just like me, eyes as dark as hell.
This hollow shadow woman is a gift.
Irresolute, her name dies in my throat;
the empty bottle makes the lowest note.
Listen to the poet perform the poem here.
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| Image via Unsplash |
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