Sublimate

It started with the lid up, ready
to catch rain

to fill with fish and emerald aqua

I watched the tree across the
stream fill with the same
air I inhaled

to become a branch, gnarled and hardened
by time

holding the truths that makes
gods giggle and weaker beings break

in the spirit stream
I throw in this animated flesh

to purge urges inborn—unwanted
inside bits built for another
animal

The animal inside growls and
chuckles, rolling its knowing
eyes

to folly, woe and wanting, a god
shaped gap
 but god was counting calories
 afraid of becoming substantial

— Jenn Bayless / Jesse Nichols

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