Cut

From an early collection of works, 1989-1999. This poem is from the first book of 3, entitled "Conception"

These words turn 'round to face me

defacing what I know.

Assuming and affected,

I grin and yawn -

hooking the smoking chain

of my letter reaction

to the book shelf next to

the shadow

of my former self.

Here in my room

I swallow chance potions

half hoping poison

in charms of choice.

Finally finding my voice

I turn to face these words.