There’s hair upon our heads that grows back in patches,

the resulting effect of habit of yanking it out in a massive panic.

Where the forehead would usually be

is a sunburned spot, red-hot, from the headaches

and migraines that cause our thumbs to press against it

in a manic sporadic manner predicting the already mentioned habit.

Where the eyes are, black points, surrounded by colors

gotten that way from curious prey,

peering into the images and experiences

far beyond your eyes understanding

and thus drenching them with vicious color.

To either side used to be ears.

Now just tools we use to tune out the commercials

of conversations and views eschewed

by opinions briefly viewed between

takes of our own soap operas.

In front is a nose that used to be used for smelling,

now we use it to snuff out difference,

clinging to the pungency of bigotry and racism

like the sadistic, addictive smell of apple pie.

Below is a mouth,

that could be used for story-telling, smiling and adventure

but instead is employed to snap, bark, frown

and bite at whoever differs or misinterprets this venture.

To dictate the equivalency of words

instead of using them as a ship

to sail salt to others to preserve their tongues.

Below, we have arms.

Once used for the ability to wrap people

as presents and present them to

heaven in this soap opera.

Now used to bitterly push away the camera

and bring closer the substances that enhance

the picture, dramatic effects plastered in noir style-frame

to subsequent the gritty, bittersweet feelings

tucked away in invisible subtext.

A stomach that was once a crystal clear pool of welcoming

is now the front gate we use to keep out what we hate.

Legs are used for running away instead of running towards

and feet are misguided, swept off into whatever wind

keeps the heart the closest.

Where the heart is, nobody knows.

Like a cage without a bird it flew away.

Now empty and alone.

The anatomy of a human being.

Now everyone’s just like me.

***

by Kyle Clark, UM-Flint Student