mark elliott driver

i’ll take it under my skin

let it do its work on my flesh

in the curves and avenues of

my intestines and lower spine.

i let it in my mind

it takes its pick of my memories

discards those that lack nerve bite

electric shocks through dark water.

i let it show in my face

it pulls down on my skin

weighs down my eyes

clenches my jaw

over nothing.

life dances free and runs away

leaving little of me behind

it lived in me, I willingly obliged

life begets life, and i’ll have mine.