Self-Portrait

Leaves squeeze up my esophagus and I open my mouth
into a bouquet. I pull at the leaf doll, feel her feet scratch
 
          up and, bleeding, she crumples into my palms.
         I trim foliage, pick out bad twigs, rotted roots,
 
I pluck at the brambles and vines in her hair, her swampy
face full of neglect. I lick my thumb and rub at her thorns,
 
         dull them enough to see Truly Me circa 1998.
         Her dress, matted with bile, sharp words,
 
and hegemonic splinters, shimmers darkly, carved contents
of woman. I place her in a bin, wash away grudge and brackish
 
         fibers. The restoration process is simply “to rinse.”
         As soon as I finish, her hands feel soft, like mine.

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