He pulls the heart from my chest
I watch as it beats in his hand
blood dripping between his long slender fingers
I lay naked on the bed
looking up at him
“Give me a few minutes” he whispers
as he looks down at me with black eyes
He raises his hand
slowly bringing it to his mouth
I watch as his jaw unhinges
like a python
his mouth opens wide as he places my heart there between his teeth
holds it delicately . . .
Like a good bird dog
blood drips slowly from his lips
still warm
down his chin
onto his chest
My heart stops beating
He never breaks eye contact . . .
as I slip into unconsciousness
But I can feel him there
even in my sleep
Sense him watching me
always just out of reach
My world softly in his mouth
he stays calmly at my feet
Coiled like a cobra . . .
Waiting.