Clear vessels’ ridges right-handed turn
tickled lips with stained dribbles
bubbles of my nose

Yellow bud wiser than I could see
to say more than I pronounce
green thunder lizard

Black coals lifted to prove a manhood
dirt, rock, fire, surely say much
but who’s kissed a girl?

Cerulean sky with salmon clouds
red embers finish the task
that skinner began

I burn, I smolder, I delight
singed hair, meet watering eyes
I give with my root

Dripping demands too porous to dry
eyes closed but ears always nude
how to love a breath?

Protect my heart, close with crimson skull
Creole curse finds Philly friends
bared teeth in common

John Catalano