yther

they say this is supposed to hurt
when the knife caresses my skin
and red curves mark my bounds
like slackened tape that reads: CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS

I was told there might be a sting
or some other unpleasant sensation
when your teeth chopped off that last line
so hard that your jaw must have hurt, the next day

on the contrary --
adrenaline,
endorphins,
and bile serve
to remind me
that I am
alive