Grotesque jewels, they hang
in my closet beside prom dresses
and red pumps.
When petticoats are sleeping,
they continue to jangle.
They make a strange noise.
Moonlight shadows their gauntness.
Pumps and brogues are blind to their squeals
Veils thin to a fringe on their bony blades.
They could tell a tale.
They want a say, without doubt.
Long ago, they were supply fleshed.
But then, all [...]

In Gibraltar Straits,
pirates in search of El Dorado
masked and machete-bearing
kidnapped me.
Holding me to ransom,
they took my jewels and my secrets
and dismembered me.
The reckoning lasted for years.
Limbs and parts eventually grew:
a new nose, arms skilful and stronger,
sight after the gutted pits could bear a leaf.
It took centuries.
In the cave where they kept me,
a strange beast grew.
With [...]