Harelip

I am the harelip.

Give me one more kiss.

We'll have a mardi gras on deserted streets.

Fingers and forceps.

Raw meat and muzak.

The bubbles in the wine keep the nerves dead.

I was awake all through the surgery.

The people dancing, laughing, all for me.

You sewed me up but it will never heal.

Will I forget then learn to smile some day.

Potbellied sick bed.

All scars and sweet breads.

A lonely vacation, your own Disney parade.

It's all that he has.

Clamped up by Walkmans.

A midnight waiting room.

Hear the distant screams.

I was awake all through the surgery.

The people dancing, laughing, all for me.

You sewed me up but it will never heal.

Will I forget then learn to smile some day.