V. H. King's Ink

say it with your hands around my
throat, our noses sensing the nearness
of each other’s regrets. say it
with trembling intestines and raw
whispers. say it with the ache of blood
and snot between your teeth, the
bile from biting down your dreams.
tell me your plea; speak the weeping
prayers of old, the wails striking nerves
in your temples, hiding in your bones.
say it like you’ve never meant anything
but this long-held lure to infinity. sing it
to the North Star above and cricket-song
all around; say it wading in the water,
rising out the riverbed with red ankles
and silver heels. recite this until your spirit
dances in the blue moonlight, calves
burning and lungs churning
your fickle faith to flame.