The Day the Artist Won

She dreamt of running through the field
Of soaring above the sky
And dancing with starlight

But duty kept her bound to the earth
In a skirt
Her hair unbraided
Her face unadorned

When she slipped out into the moonlight
She saw sour faces—frowning
Their lips—whispering

The whispers guided her hands
As she tore out the artist
And fell apart

Exchange

i break a nail;
he reaches down, picks it up,
and offers me his.

he pulls a muscle;
i touch it lightly, kiss it,
and give him mine.

i puncture my heart;
he weighs down his spirit;
we look up, smile, and exchange.