Winter Fawn

I, like the lifeless fawn, lie still, exposed on the cold table to be dissected,

My body surrendered.

I, like the broken bark, softly unravel and peel beneath unforgiving hands,

My skin undone.

I, like the silenced infant, take no breath, make no plea as I feel the bite of the blade,

My flesh is offered.

I, like the hollowed fruit, am carved, and my sweetness gouged out,

My core left bitter.

I, like the fading sunlight, sink into darkness and melt into the mouth of another.

—

My life feeds the cold and greedy.

I feel warm once more.