Another

I can feel a second body inside mine
Maybe round or bent to sharp angles
But taking some palpable shape,
It occupies my body and makes my ribs ring.

Second, I feel the gloved hand
Wrapping around my heart, one finger, then another
The first question comes -
When? When?

You sit across the room struggling to stay awake
Smokey air slides in through open vents
You will be my shaman of this moment –
Do you know who has come?
Do you know how he got in?

Just this –
This small bit of an ask -
Please help me
Sit a bit closer and lean in -
Can you hear the smallest voice?
Asking, asking.

July 13, 2001