Crank (Crank 1)

And then somehow the subject of my birthday came up.

Word spread and the mood elevated beyond celebratory.

Gifted with kisses. Tender. Probing. Inviting. Feminine. Masculine.

One emptying into the next, eddies in the swollen river.

I kept my eyes closed, absorbing sensation until it screamed

for release. So the part that came next seemed very right.

I Don’t Know

whose blade it was,

whose idea it was.

I don’t remember

saying yes.

I know I didn’t

say no.

The knife was sharp.

One knick at my wrist.

It didn’t even hurt.

It didn’t seem wrong.

Rust in my mouth.

Rich red salt.

I drank it down,

asked for more.

Offered my own

to those who would partake.

Fever. Fire. I was on fire.

Time hesitated.

Solid earth gave way.

Strong arms caught me,

carried me into the cool of outside.

A familiar mouth found mine.

I looked into Chase’s eyes,