self-portrait as desert mother

i want to be big tall cactus-height

living prickly but with care touch me

if you dare i will thorn you or throne you

depending on your gravity and whether we make a good orbit

i choose if you stay maybe i'll leave you cold

heart so sorbet forgive me i'm talking mountains again

i'm peaking i'm peaked i'm pink

and i'm hideous grisly fragmented

fresh flesh placenta on a hot summer day

an ugly metaphor just to grab your attention