on pain
for Pierre

we take turns taking in pain
because it comes to us
unbidden
suddenly, the hand catches it
and without anywhere
to place it on,
not a secret pocket
to stash it in,
you close your palm
around it, pain;
that when its thorns
bleeds your skin,
and pain, pain is spelled
on your face---you writhe

i open my hand
and take my turn.

12:48 am
28 september 2003