Widow

i have shed tears lately

too many for death

and too few for life

but just enough for poison

dripping from the fangs

of this human viper

or that black widow

all it takes is one bite

once to feel the pain

the burning in the pit

a cry out in pain

and shame

to be violated

by spindly black legs

too thin to support such a body

so wracked with venom

to strike any that draw near

and fear

yes

fear

inching up my spine

with the little click-clack

of carapace on bone

my heart feels like stone

ceasing to beat

dropping to my feet

with my brain dripping after

after what?

a nick, a scratch, a-

that's all it takes

in the cold dawn

so cold today

like everyday

your embrace is cold

and i'm numb with venom

i don't nurse my bite

i let my skin go white

then pale blue calm

no heart for my chest

no brain for my skull

just a click-clack

up my spine

on nothing left but

my bleached white bone.