The branches of intense vessels
as the moon moves the egg ripens
and the uterus blooms: cabbage roses.
Thorns tide the legs and tendrils
in the mind open


vodka of blue rivers
wingless arterioles of an interior sky
clinkers of black smoke-stacks on a rocking
ship in a crucified sea
which the bushed shore scribbles:


pomegranate red, amaryllis red, robin red, terra cotta red,
Venetian red.
Fire engine of blood, prana pump, brain bank, mill and
unconscious press


blood is my ink.