Poetry can be coffin or cradle

A Poem

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Poetry sometimes feels like
a coffin or a cradle
depending on what you’re writing
my art is dangerous, like a viper
poisonous snake.

Slither around your throat
each word adding to the choke
but somehow, it’s
too satisfying to pull away
the words from their curl
around your ear
into your tongue.

Affixation just a part
of this dialogue
saying anything
can go and nothing
can be stopped
once it’s started.

You taste it
goldenrod glory
pollen dripping
from each line
syntax says
everything I can’t.

It can be toxic
like Milkweed but for some
the toxins provide safety
from predators with jaws too hungry
to be stopped.

Poetry be like stingers
prepared and willing
to sink into your flesh
leave behind a memento
you’ll never forget.