I've run on this treadmill;
a heavy load
of love
and
   sweat on my shoulders.



I'm falling,

but I can't seem to hurt
myself.


In the face!

I've been dragging,
this foot. Around.
for a while.
and some.

A pain - throbbing vain.
Right here.
A microsecond of hope.
A sip of this diamond

studded.
jar.

she has said all the words.
those beautiful
ones.
the trail of her gown.
stuck --
between his jaws.

she has spoken.
your words.
those wholesome
ones.
the secret in her smile
caught --
within his fists.

I've travelled on this bicycle;
nights and miles.
rags.
dust and bags.


This heart of yours,
I've found last week.
stabbed.
damned.
and somehow tamed,
out of its blood.

I've asked, what'd happened -
you can't fix
that old shoelace --
anymore.