What else can I say? The door opened like a future or a grave I chose a wilder way through the woods stalked by a wolf sniffing for my heat I chose a stranger's mouth because it rhymed with love because it finished me off like a sentence My throat so white so exposed , just waiting for the bite. The kiss stuffing my mouth with smoke There was a river, a thralling how I trembled (against my own hand) Of course what I remember most are the dangers of descent endless roses make a forest of the cave its stones aching open like hands to receive The gifts, photos, jewelry, take my girlhood The spring dripped its steady syllables (arise, arise) I was still myself after but a new grief opened inside me like a dark flower Gentle shield (gentle shield) Cast your shadow My knowledge made me soft and unmerciful All three heads of the dog turned towards the sound of its name (arise, arise) now I rise
