pearls

crystal bead teardrops gathered today

pull them from my eyelashes, my lips, my teeth

count them, kiss them

wear them pearl-strung, knocking on your door

Do you remember the letters you wrote last Thursday?

Did you mean to tie them so tightly around my neck?

I can’t seem to unwind the water now

and I’m choking

lungs growing seaweed fingers from the inside

knees bent backwards, folding sideways on your front porch

what maps did you trace on my feet while I slept

to bring me back here

I am holding these blue pearls out for you, trust me

pulled them from my eyelashes, my throat, my spine

I have filled a jar today already

Is this what you wanted me to show you?

Can we be finished now?