his mouth opens
it is gigantic
a black pit
full of worms
festering
frantic
flames
I want to stick my hand
down his throat
quiet the beast
pull out the tongue
so he will never speak again
he hisses
gibberish
I swallow my fears into my fist
nod my head enough times
to make me dizzy
wishing it will be
enough to bring forth rain
for our paths to diverge
to breathe in the water
softly licking my arms
deliciously cold

make me pure again