Leaden Heart

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.

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