It’s always held
a fascination for you
the needles that pry
through layers of flesh,
blood, scrape bone,
studs and rings inserted.
You had all the usual ones
ears, nose, lip (twice),
nipples and labia
with fine silver chains
stretched between the rings
but you decided
you wanted something original.
Now you wear a bracelet
entwined with the veins
of your wrist
filigreed silver and blood.
November 2018 marked Robert Beveridge’s thirtieth anniversary as a publishing poet. When not writing, he makes noise (xterminal.bandcamp.com) in Akron, OH. Recent/upcoming appearances in Pink Litter, Triadæ, and Welter, among others.
© 2019, Robert Beveridge
Halfway Down the Stairs 