The animal we are
reserves just rights
to complain -

empty bellies, 
crotch urgencies, 
skin withers, 
fur falls,
encroached territories -

brittle goes the bone, 
so small the gathered
human corners, 

so great the needed mercies.

We fight for
blood right, 
birth right,
some bread, 
a place to lie down
with kindred beings,

a patch beside a stream, 
a doll house street 
sweat-and-blood won, 

all proclaim a personal kingdom.




Listen now.

We must honor 
the animal we are.

Milky or Muddy Ways
somewhere require stunning loss.

We are fallen, 
battered lips praising
still.

We have
witnessed, 
yes, 
cracked
all this.

With a kiss 
love in the crush 
and crank is 

sealed.