Adele David
Solid Tears
South-westerly behind the kitchen sink
runs the caul canal -
earth so bitter the mouth dries.
We follow the dwarf child,
my second self and I,
tunnelling toward the Mothers;
knees, faces, hands showing their scars.
Along the earth-fall tunnel
unfamiliar shapes flicker.
Incubi. Succubi. Homunculi.
Reflected fires leap against the glass.
Grotesque faces press against the panes
eyeing us. A progression of talons,
claws, articulate mouths.
Crouching beyond the passage,
in the laboratory,
the arc lights blind me.
I cannot comprehend the command: “Drink.”
The phial with the silver embryo
is thrust against my mouth, cuts my mouth.
The child in the waters undulates -
is turning, turning, turning.
“Drink.” commands the Mother,
towering in her long, white coat:
“South-westerly is obeying me.”
Seeking the key to turn night into day
I swallow the embryo,
the silver tench, child.
Page(s) 14
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