The Good Words Don't Burn

  Avigayil F I am the nightmare you forget when you awake The shallow end of every sigh I am the reason that broken hearts break   When your pounding heart insists the waking world is fake That demons lurk in the shadows in the corners of your eye I am the nightmare you forget when you awake   I am desolation; I don’t give, I take Tell me—why do you even try? I am the reason that broken hearts break   Let your bones tremble, let your limbs quake But I tell you—there is nothing awry I am the nightmare you forget when you awake   The wanting inside you is wide as a lake But don’t you dare cry I am the reason that broken hearts break   I am the fear you cannot shake The tears you can never dry I am the nightmare you forget when you awake I am the reason that broken hearts break  

Avigayil F At times she will sway only to a tune To rhythmic planned and practiced steps alone She turns and sways ‘neath light of the fair moon With pointed feet upon the rigid stone.   On sunny days, she runs carefree through the meadow Bare feet slapping the dirt Legs stinging from the rapier cuts of the long grasses.   On Tuesdays, she contorts herself like a modern dancer And shuns all airy silhouettes and illusions of elongation She pulls apart her pointe shoes at the shank Shreds her tutus to scraps of tulle Embraces earth and ground and blunt, inelegant things.   On other days, the barre stretches blank against the wall She folds herself in a corner Draws in her aching limbs Refusing to be coaxed Tonight, the studio echoes in emptiness.