the israelites slew their
enemies and i lie awake at
night trying not to hurt
their feelings.
it's like when you're late,
and, dashing out the door,
your sleeve catches on the latch.
the nausea that comes from
eating after months of starving-
the flavour stabs, the inner
walls protest.
can you say shibboleth?
hollow, i can walk.
empty, i can breathe.
a dancing, somersaulting bellows,
a reed flute.
my belly is full of iron and you.
just leave me alone.
you presume.
the lord's people had human
enemies. they put them
to the sword.
