as i slept
straps seemed to
stretch across
my torso
over my legs
my arms
over my throat
my wrists
my ankles
each time
my eyes opened
projected images
of fruit rotting
medical procedures
from the late
eighteen-hundreds
danced across
the ceiling
in maddeningly
slowed down
or oversped
sequences

a full spectrum
nervous system attack
flashing
the smiles
that went from
balm to razor
over the cardiac sac
in shuddering
paingasms
the taste of
pennies and old leather
as i chomp at the bit
so lovingly placed
careful to inflict
torment
yet leave
the golden tongue
unharmed
for every
flashing gaze
of hatelust
teeth on soft spots

i cried out
for you
waking
twisted and sore
your name
spilled across the sheets
wildflowers
soothing
the savage fool
as the faint
dreamspasms of pain
flickered
against
my still ready
flesh