Hunger

I fall asleep, stomach growling

And it reassures me

Like any periodic laceration

A penance

A comfort

Reassurance that forgiveness may be mine.

This strange thing in my guts

That chews hungrily

Eat up! I say. Enjoy.

Take a nibble at my hips

While you’re there

But please, leave my mind

Intact.

Silly thing misheard me

And crawled up through my ears

I feel the places

Where tooth marks score my brain

Detestable hunger

Why could you not take what I offered.