HUMILITY

i. wolf in dude's clothing

YOU WILL NOT CHOKE THE DIVINE OUT OF ME. MY BODY IS THE GARDEN OF EDEN.

I AM MORE THAN THESE RIBS — i'm a shrewd gust of wind and my roots are forever my chains — I AM MORE THAN THESE RIBS, SO REMOVE THEM.

WHEN I AM NOT REVOLUTION, i am a tear in the genesis, discarded snake skin and the sin between eve's legs. THIS IS ME, warts and all, unfading scars beneath my chest and the clickity-clacking of a cane next to my footsteps. THIS IS ME, warts and all, a boy with twenty-something names and hair too long to brush. WHEN AM I, REALLY, NOT REVOLUTION?

THIS IS PRAYER, MEET MY SKIN — a deadname in the night and a stranger to the world. THIS IS ALL ME, hips too wide and neck too empty — no descendant of mercy, but god's worthy opponent.

MEET MY LIPS, WANDER MY INSIDES — I AM THE FRUIT.