Let It Flow

let it flow,

let it flow,

~

black water under brick,

black breath under stone.

~

sit where the lamp hums low,

where the wall sweats paint,

where the house leans closer

to hear you breathing.

~

let it flow.

~

keep your pale feet

above the water.

~

do not fall.

do not pray.

feel the cold rise

through the soles.

~

let it carry moon,

oil,

leaf,

bone-white light

broken small.

~

let it flow.

~

hear the city behind you

settle in its rot.

~

hear pipes knock,

glass loosen,

plaster soften,

doors swell shut.

~

stay here,

work here,

sleep here,

disappear.

~

beautiful thing.

~

let it flow.

~

ask what remains

when the body is done

performing.

~

draw your face

from the water,

~

the one you spent

all night avoiding,

~

wet with light,

cold on skin.

~

let it flow,

let it flow.

~

stand up.

~

let the knees hurt.

let the hands shake.

~

take the shame.

take the hunger.

take the heart,

blood flowing.

~

go home

as you are.

~

let it flow.

let it flow.

let it flow.

.