Swelling timber beams squeeze out freshly hammered nails. Your jawbone dislocates in full flowered bloom. You cannot be everything (they need). You pop the unhinged joint into place with weary resignation. Returning to the drawing room where her lit fingers glow embers. Tips searing back to charred bone. The same tired parlour trick year after year. (You cannot be) Everything they need. Around you the house groans loud and spreads its gabled wings.

▽ | #relic