I’d rather
heave half a brick than say
I love you, though I do
I’d rather
crawl in a hole than call you
darling, though you are
I’d rather
wrench off an arm than hug you
though
it’s what I long to do
I’d rather
gather a posy of poison ivy than
ask if you love me
so if my
hair doesn’t stand on end it’s
because
it knows its place
and if I
don’t take a bite of your ear
it’s because
I never tease it
and if my
heart isn’t in my mouth it’s
because
gristle gripes my guts
and if you
miss the message better get new
glasses and read it twice
