The Artist Formerly Known As Addict

Posted by Rachel Higgins on February 12, 2024

You, hiding

the behinds of your eyes

know it’s safe to leave

the womb

where you curl and duck

numb and unremembering

no longer reaching

for the substitutes

pill or plume

when even the inanimate

sway a cruel gaze

and you're tempted to splay

the cornea, dream by

some edible jewel-tone

and deny.

No, this food no longer works

it is the works which are food now, holy

fold your bread and burn your host

there is a new sacrament

climbing the rungs of the spine

drop your glass and grasp hands

this toast is for anyone who needs another

we need one another

see, now brother can't quit that chamomile

I swear he's loose leaf

teething, needs a tree ring

to soothe and teach him

about breathing

and weathering

All.