how dare you whittle me down
into timber for your fire.
live me a life bright and lively.
show me nothing else
it is nothing else.
but you touch it and it recedes.
i have never asked of you
something you didn't
already have.
write my name in your eyes.
but do not whittle me down.
you knew me once
you said you'd loved me once.
and how dare you whisper me
into passing ears.
i am more than brief conversation
more than timber for your fires.
i know who i am
and i am a wonder without you
crawling all over me.
without you whittling me down.
live me a life bright and lively.
as far as God takes you
travel and tender others in love.
you whittled me down
you took my hand and bit off my fingers
because you were scared
that i touched you.
hatred boils over
but i let it overflow into writing.
your hatred overflows
onto those you love.
i can think of no sadder fate.