THE SPLINTER WALTZ

Bound where we splinter, my frayed acquaintance. We follow one another, fingers locked, through every tortured step. No emotional camouflage concealing me, and no weighted apology forgiving you. A vestigial organ I must still find use for, splinting limbs and stapling skin of enemies. Arms interlaced, carrying our faults together. In opposed tandem, we stride (godspeed). Every step we take in unison, a dragging beat. A pathetic dance shared in the sound of panic set to the rhythm of a heartbeat. Distorted, do you now see in my reflection a self loathing, frail denier still refusing we have none but one another to lay our blame? Your dismay and sore resentment can't erase me. My arms tread the water, your mouth does the drinking, my feet keep us running, but your blind eyes are your own. Sharing a rhythm where this flesh collides. Nailed together, you and I. A shared condition keeping you alive. Nailed together, you and I.