Thank you, Chaos

for this long ache, this slow
burn.

In your simmer, I break
apart effortlessly—

a perfect molecular
mess, suspended in ruleless
nowhere.

Thank you for never letting go,
Hooked Claw. For beating my heart.

For showing me how ghost
limbs can hurt.

Thank you for clarity
through terror.

For keeping my father's final gasp
alive behind my eyes.

You made my sleep violent
as a car crash.

And once the swelling subsides,
I'll even thank you

for showing me Sister Steel— sharp tongue,

and for helping make the final cut.