The Spine Song

and you're down

for the count

you are dancing with men

going around and around

and you're scared

and you're sure

that your spine will dissolve

you will fall to the floor

you will take

what you need

and the headaches will come

but at least you can breathe

there's the smoke

fills your lungs

we will wait for the day

we'll rejoice when it comes

on your birthday

you woke up

the snow was on the ground

you opened books and peeked inside

they kissed you on your crown

with pins in your fingers

you held yourself up high

the picture peeled the person

they let themselves divide

you arrive

at the place

it is not what you want

but it is what you chase

so you don't

have to hold

all of the candles

that burn on their own

you will steal

all the smells

that cut through your nose and inside on your cells

when it's time

to escape

you realize you've waited until it's too late

but your birthday

inflated

the bones with which you creak

they stole your shoes and then brought you to

the caverns of their teeth

you pleaded

oh kind sir

please let me say goodbye

your soul ripped from your stomach

you gave an awful cry

a cry

and when I have died

will you use my spine

to swing from tree to tree in search of

places pleasing to the eye?

I said

I'm sorry dear

but you don't listen

no you don't listen

you silly little girl