an unrehearsed universe

Sea-Witch

i.
she sings of home
that he may share her despair
at bygone sea-mink luxuries


iv.
enormities of jealousies contained in brown hues
unburnt umber, her eyes, widened with wanton expectation
dark sienna, her hair, wild mane decorated in kelp
chamois, her skin, flecked with copper and rust


xv.
carefully sought, carelessly discarded
the hidden sea-slick pelt keeps her present
senses engaged, a voluptuary of surf and earth,
she stays, strays, possibly content


xvii
she eschews truths, avoids honesty
sweetens with splendorous anticipation
(burnished caramel, her bright eager lips parted)
the blossoms of a bitter almond


xxiii.
citrine nails, talon-honed, betray her intentions
having already traded the known world for curiosity
it is not a hand that would hesitate to reach for the knife
and trade blood for freedom