You tell me you like knots





 



You tell me you're good at untangling knots, 



'Find the end, then trace back to the start.' 



You say though knots want to twist 
they can’t help but fall apart



 



It rises outstretched 



It squeals with delight, 



Spirting out looping  



the ribbon of a kite.



 



You smell like mice 



Like wet hands holding 



Towles on tiles 



We begin the moulding 



 



For large, stiff knots, tap the end with a spoon 



Find where they wallow   



Push the kinks through the room 



 



Your chest is dense  



Once buoyant with hope,  



each rib holds the next 



just to stay  afloat  



 


 



We are curled in a ball in your room 



You must unravel slowly  



a knot tightens  



If you pull too soon 



 



It tastes like dry air  



That hasn’t drunk in days  


Lick its hot neck  



Until the smooth edge frays 



 



I ripple as you trace loops
 on my back  



You stroke circles round circles 
 to pull up the slack  



 



It is close but apart 
it is a middle grown in
the place meant to be the start 
it is forgetting which side of my chest
holds the heart
 


 



It is intertwining smoke signals  



Meeting in the drifts  



It is them dancing  



Then breaking as the tide meets the cliffs


 



Toes jut from treetops  



And dart under pillows  



thoughts become whispers 

and fog up windows  



 



You tell me you like to untangle knots  



It  helps to pass the time 



I tell you, I have many  



So you start to find the end in mine