Literature
conquest
throw back this Thursday
to a lifetime ago,
when my bridges were too young
to be fireproof
and I didn't yet know the words
for surrender.
you were my Columbus,
my twisted Magellan,
hands hardened and hungry
for any part of me
that could bear your name.
you sought me and wrought me
dead in the water,
every bloody fingerprint a flag
that marked each brand-new territory
upon my skin -
spread-eagled, supine,
I was greener than grass
and you sent your victory marches
all over me,
steamrolling my rugged edges
and calling me all the kind words for
barbarian.
throw back this Thursday
to a lifetime ago -
people aren't supposed to fall
like leave