Letting Like Blood

11/21/2023

1.

I watch a fire down the block

            I’m watching you

I watch the hearth in you eyes grow,

                                                     distant.

I’m running cold, babe

                                       I’m running cold.

I’m letting blood

                                       You’re running hot 

I’m letting you

                                       We’re running down the block

We’re running into a forest, a fire, or a forest fire.

I’m running into you

I’m letting you

I’m letting you know (that)

I’m letting you go

I’m letting like blood

2.

Blood runs from your mouth

Through mine.

And I’m mouthing off again.

                         I’m holding hands.

I’m telling lies

                         and I’m barking like a dog

I’m saying things I shouldn’t say.

How kids start fires, its what they do

                         I’m running a fever, its what you do.

3.

I’ve eaten red meat my entire life, and barked like a dog and pawed at the space between the ground and the bowl. I’ve eaten red meat my entire life, I know mutton when I taste it. I’ve chewed on the space between me and you. I’ve swallowed. I’ve split my brow. Split my tongue. I’ve let blood. Let blood run through the space between the pavement and us. I’ve let you, run a fever, an infection you learn to love.