In the low light of dawn, I master—
I conquered
my body and led it
as a slave.
I deprived
myself of sleep.
I exposed myself to the night.
At dawn, the breeze
snuck in and kissed
my lips,
quick, earnest, longing for
tenderness.
As the sun emerged,
the woods darkened like pubic bone.
I master—no, I
soaked my underwear
into a marshy under
brush. I stroke
the bristles. Pick up
the color from my palette.
I believe
the color of my body
at dawn.
My nerve bundle
is not a burden now,
but a bell
I ring. I rise.
Lead my body
to work.
