Into the Jungle

Creepers and weeds bar the way
into the jungle before me.

I can weave a path
around the branches
through the fence that blocks me

Or hack and slash my way
through the dense, overgrown brush
that would be easy to find again.

As I try to decide
I slip my knife
from its leather sheath at my waist.

The sunlight glances
off the polished blade
penetrating the dark green leaves ahead
distracting me from my reverie.

I replace the knife
and buckle its case
as I push a vine out of the way.

As I take my first step
thorns grab at my clothes.

My pants snag and tear;
my shirt and jacket are next;
but I force my way in
past the resistance.

As I move farther in
I collect cuts and scratches
and let the woods close behind me.

I'm shut in now.
I don't know if I'll find my way out.

But it's not uncomfortable in here.

Emotion Extraction

It sticks inside,
All around.
I can't get it off.
Time to concoct
that protein solution
again.

So I push play,
and let the rhythm collect,
and let the molecules bind,
and let the sticky dissolve.

Then I pull out the plug,
and watch it seep out,
and it leaves me clean.

And it leaves me empty.

topsy, turvy

topsy, turvy,
the wave crashes
and the boat lists.

topsy, turvy,
the boat tilts
and the passengers slip.

topsy, turvy,
the deck becomes ocean
and we're floating in the sea.

the topsy, turvy
world begins to shrink
as the walls close in.

the topsy, turvy
juices rise
and break out.