(Published June 2021)
I want to tattoo
a spider
in the middle of my back.
Long spindly legs
peeking out from
the edge
of a tea cup.
Spill out my nightmares
upon my skin
so back spasms, twitches
and fear is right there
hot breath against my ear.
Adrenaline rush along my spine
as though the spider
runs up and down my back.
Legs clatter against my nerves
to cause my heart to dance
out its name, and this is
my fear personified.
It drinks tea
and reads Jane Austen
In the afternoon.
Each spindly leg
holds on
peels me apart
with each
accelerated sigh.
Poetic Trials 