How much does
a heart weigh?
Leaden pounds
press against flesh,
crushing a spine,
once erect,
into a
bonemeal
mess.
Golden beats bless,
glow, impress
the rest
with shine,
zeal,
sanctity,
and zest
for warmth
and acceptance.
But gold has gravity.
The weight, the import.
Significance,
press – pressure…
the gold was poured,
molten,
into my chest,
and to survive,
I had to share it,
shine-to-refine,
polish, purify
– 99% reflected light
compressed…
too much,
no more,
critical mass,
cynical mess,
the weight folds in.
Blackness.
How much does
a heart weigh?
Estimate
from these crumpled clothes,
after my heart
has consumed
my flesh.
© CG Tenpenny, 2021.
Art: Sinking Heart, by Olivia Melchior.
