a statistic

a statistic by Ian Ernzer

                                  …clack, clack
                                  and suds swallow my arms
              …crimson sidewalk
              scalding water to my elbows, scrubbing
  …white eyes
  brittle porcelain like these bones
       …staring into the future
       that ache, continuance of, doing good
              …red and blue flash
              in confined space

  …CLACK, CLACK
                  telephone rings, hello? yes, this is her
                                              …he is on the floor

                       and the phone drops into the sink
                       not yet seventeen

  …clack, clack
                      …snaps the clasps…
                                                   …on cherry cedar