Monkey sits on my back
tightens his tail around my larynx
Peers into the gaping holes
that threaten to rob me of identity
Like Frieda Kahlo’s
this body and soul are rent by wounds
inflicted by life
and Karmic marriage
Uterus and ovaries long ago sacrificed
a different malignancy now
claims ransom of my right breast
adding to the scarred map of years
Deep garnet-stain traces of early
wounds mark paths of ancient pain
Rivulets of scarlet slowly seep
through bandages, evidence of the new
Arteries and veins tortuous structures
pulse and leak copious tears crimson
and blue that flow up and down bathing
all the broken pieces
Hateful serpentine line
holds countless drops of poison
relentlessly dripping dripping burning
Impossible to love
Monkey stares at this new monster
paws tight to chest lips curled in grimace
as fangs bite deeply into
the only viable vein
Two parrots perch in my hair
brain hammered by insistent pecking
drumming drumming drumming
It is not time to surrender
Now weary and bone cold
A lizard neon tail translucent feet
climbs a screen tries to outpace winter
I nod in empathy