put the precious pieces
of words together
turn them, fit them, glue them--
until they form your face.

a phrase, a line, a clause,
paint them in your mouth
let them drip across the page---
until they splatter like blood.

crumble, crumple, crunch
the paper
(an origami brain)
until it takes flight.

drink the ink like coffee;
slowly, slowly---it's hot---
and yet drain it all in one gulp
until it becomes your drug.

breathe the thickening thoughts
choke on your own emotions
store away your laughter
until it all explodes.

rub your broken dreams
into your eye sockets
burn your fading memories
into your skin . . .

until they understand.