Advanced Alteration by Paula Geerligs

I'd hope that someday,

Someday,

I'll eventually fly away.
these dirty torn rags drag
and lay limp on my back;

these wings.

I need reconstruction,
New parts:
electronic chips,
programmed to perfection.
bolts to keep my head from falling off
over and
over
again.

Nip and tuck here
and there,

Dissect
      me.

'Aah, I see where the problem is.'

Drugged sleep, dream, operate.
emerge from the night ocean
in which your body refused
to drown, refused
to die;
sink deep down
below
with the baggage
you are chained to.

Slowly,
slowly escape.

I am the experiment in which I learn
what you don't know.
I am a study.
I am here to be observed.
fornication of shadows behind the glass
sharp glass,
I hold in my hand.

I am your warning.

Take note,
I perform my own surgery.
I am inexperienced,
yet determined.
fragile,
strong.

A rough draft, so far;
I've broken bones for a masterpiece.

Alas,
I stand on the edge.
I stare straight ahead,
and step off.
my wings are spread, and
I hear gravities laughter
a million times
past my ears.

I'm going down.

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