Get out, get out
and into the world
a woman like me
would tie your hands with ropes
and hang them from her hips
Get out while you can
and let the wind carry you
a woman like me
would climb from under your boots
and into your pockets
lay you down heavy on her bed
just to rise above you
Get out and wander
be a wild bird
a woman like me
would clip your song feathers
and stuff them in her mouth
just to have your voice
seeping from her ears
Get out and make no promises
don’t even say you won’t
a woman like me
hangs on open window sills
burns her eyes on the driveway’s end
holds all your words
like collected seashells
in her cupped hands
Get out and go far
take no existing path
a woman like me
would strip you naked
press you inside of her
memorize the turn in your face
in the dim light
she’d reach in and pull
all the strength you have left
Get out
She’ll want to cut rings
from the center of your eyes
and string them like beads
around her neck
Get out
She’ll envy the breath in your lungs
Get out
She’ll put a straw to your mouth
Get out
She’ll want you empty
Get out
She’ll drain you cold as death
just so she can pour her blood
into your veins
First published in Indiana Voice Journal.
Sarah Thursday 