bloodmine

I chew on air

It’s salty and sweet

And then my jaw locks

Shocks me back into reality

Where air tastes like mothers

Who never said I love you 

But stayed when you couldn’t sleep

Who watched you fall apart 

But kept their watchful distance 

Whose love is time’s fool

It’s worth known by an arm taken

Out but not around

Never around my shaking shoulders

Now I flinch when flesh comes near 

Allergic resistance 

Sometimes air smells like you 

And you smell warm

But then I realise it’s burning toast 

You’re like a heart attack

I’m the stroke