monkey’s paw
June Henry
Whirlwind, whirlpool
We're both not cool with this
So what do we do?
If I listen to my intuition
I would never listen to you
But I can't bring myself
To wash the smell of you off my pillow case
Or to forgive myself for letting go
I'm not myself these days
To get what I want
I wish on a paw
Affront to God
Breaking the natural law
No more minced words
Hunger really hurts
And I'm one hungry dog
I let you pull me in-
(I memorized Genesis)
-Is something so forbidden
And now I know true anguish
I'd kill for just one more kiss
The monkey's paw would twist
And something so fucked up
Would obviously have to happen