# #metal

3 poems

## [use](https://chromato.graphics/use)

craving total transformation,  
identity a disposed wrapper.  
becoming a vessel for want,  
glass poured into, overfilled.

you haven’t been here lately.  
something in our combining  
always begins this reaction:  
photochemical excited state

learning how to spark again —  
days ago: gel, pumps, bulbs,  
rattling pill bottles and nerves,  
black gloves, gold foil, silicone.

it’s warmed up enough already.  
don’t ask or guess — just _know_.  
take a part you claim as yours,  
shape it to your pleasure. use.

time stutters; the gears grind  
forward under prying pressure.  
repairing hidden mechanisms,  
counting every beat yourself.

disappearing deconstruction:  
ripped apart by heat and light,  
shredded into a thousand tiny  
pieces of steel. shrapnel blast.

there is stillness in oblivion,  
peace made in the darkness.  
clenched fists, soaked linen.  
i swear. i won’t move. i can’t.

## [wrist](https://chromato.graphics/wrist)

i clocked the watch once  
and wished its red hand  
swept across your face  
i knew i’d want the date

i saw the toy’s hallmark  
that predates its maker  
cupid’s bow pointillism  
it looked best in color

i slipped on a staircase  
tripped on slippery oak  
fell into a concrete pool  
cut and bruised joints

you caught me there  
held me — rubbed salt  
into my fresh wounds  
to heal and to hurt me

a thin black strap is all  
that holds back the sun  
when this camera falls  
it’ll leak light forever

three solid bands form  
an unbroken bracelet  
brass never gleamed  
until becoming a label

holding mine down  
against white silk,  
gray wool, graffiti  
it’s easy to go deep

## [poison](https://chromato.graphics/poison)

the black bottle kept  
just out of reach  
of those who fear  
my obsidian liquid

a toxicology report:  
deadly in large doses  
but taken with care  
the hurting heals us

sure, share a nightcap  
wince with me in pain  
we need this to sting  
no easier, knowing it

small sips are sweet  
deeper drinks, bitter  
stone fruit can’t mask  
a burning this intense

scared to let you see  
me like this — red eyes  
pierce pewter framing  
you want, no, need to

as the spirit fully hits  
there’s no stopping this  
            _drink._  
the cork is broken now