What’s ordinary now? Bees? No, they’re going. Licking
Pictures of pretty boys’ faces you found online but printed
Out for company? No, why would you need to print them.
And who has a printer with that much color ink? Plus,
They wouldn’t be just pretty, either—some’d be menacing
And some’d be women because multitudes can’t contain
Themselves until they’re tied down, lovingly but firmly,
The leather around their throats putting a little hitch
In every fifth breath. Imagine singing to them like this—
Even blindfolded they’d know if you used a recording—
Their only clue of where you might touch them next being
Wherever it sounds like you are. And as you watch them
Strain to listen, as the harness tightens around their chest,
You’ll feel the thrill of unanswered need, and time flowering to extend it——
~~~
By Nathanielle Dawn
