The last one’s hands looked
like wind.
He tugged at my skirt. Said: vessel.
He hoisted me down. Yelled: voyage.
Yes, I am boat. Was born
half forest. Still think about that axe.
I want to smell like mahogany
again. I want all these hands
out of my cabin.
Not to mention the oars,
forced down the mouths
of rivers or-
Noah was the first.
He said: Here is everything
left of this world.
Carry it for me. Your belly speaks.
A soft, wet float.
—