Choked Poem by Marcia Schechinger

Particles of words
dry upon my parched lips
Your jarring crackles and cures
not the hunger

Your scent is vacant
and I have swallowed the pain alone
Choked on tears
no pence in pocket

Will your penitence be
in the hereafter
Or in the scratching of throat
as you swallow my homelessness

I will not beg or borrow
tall I stand, as a lioness
Chewing her fur
for the fleas taste like meat

Where have all the children gone
past the jungle
Into the sweet candy shop
eating penuche

Nose to window
saliva meets the glass
As I watch your life through pictures
There are no more words to say
for I have choked