Yow for Now

I did not feel it at the time. No, I felt it at the time like

Fluid in my lungs or the concrete against my skull

I did not feel it at the time. No, I felt it at the time like

A pinprick in my spine or the splintering of my bone

I did not feel it at the time. No, I felt it at the time like

The guillotine above my neck or a planet that I cannot reach

I did not feel it at the time. No, I felt it at the time like

Twigs against my legs or the debts that I still owe

I did not feel it at the time. No, I felt it at the time like

Missiles between my teeth, like plutonium on the ground

I did not feel it at the time. No, I felt it at the time like

Pyramids in the sky. Volcanoes that I can’t control

I did not feel it at the time. No, I felt it at the time like

A black widow on my toe, like the things that I say in my sleep