Metacarpals

The lesson is not on your tongue

but in your fingers
tattooed by burning words
that slip away when you
turn your head and listen
to old conflicts on new days

[RK. 4/17/21]

Blue

Arachne pricks her finger on a spindle
and dribbles royal blood on her weavings.

Centuries later lapis lazuli is replaced
with fancy-schmancy shibori fabrics.

She’s always had a schoolgirl crush
on indigo.

[RK, 4/17/21]