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THE SPURS ON THE LEGS OF PHEASANTS Lark Lasky You and your California viciousness I and my strict northern sternum Stir across from each other in the kitchen where all of the glass is breakable. We would shatter the china if not careful. It will feel like pulling teeth, you warn, and I say, Yes I know but wasn’t that the best feeling in the whole world? before pain was sharp and had real teeth to bare and cut being and had messages It was when there was a dull aching mess and it was before pain was really pain and it was just— Well, It was pure hurt. Purehurt that felt good. We were built this way, is what I am trying to say with my eyes across the table and the ashes on my plate Made defensively with these pieces sharp and jutting So that we could do these things to each other Only with each other Only when I feel you, a threat run down my spine When you feel me, an intruder in the bones of your home What I mean is that I hope you’re telling the truth, I say out loud this time,
