The Altar Inside Me

Ayden Massey

 Tucked deep in my gullet

Is an altar

With candles that impel an oppressive light

Out into the desolate world

When I open

My muzzle to speak.

I told myself I was sapient

A long time ago,

Though, under the benumbing press

Of a man's body on

My body. Man’s debilitating breath,

Muffling mine.

I am more savage now.

I thrash and crave

Air; it's a commodity.

And my form looks more like a gesture

Of some repentance, or a prayer

Nothing more than a weakened gasp,

A meager respiration that says

I will let you take me

So long as it is away from here.