Cannibalism

I slowly bit into the softest side:
the tissue section right below your ribs.
My fangs engorged on thickened blood, adrift
by death. The fur around my mouth was dyed
maroon. I ate your chest until your spine
was separate from your organs. Feces mixed
with spit, I crushed your skull—my jaws unhinged
your jaw. Just a pool of blood left behind.

The greatest sorrow is to bury a child.
But I don't know that pain; you have a pulse.
Like pregnancy, you'll live within my womb.
I ate your heart that it might beat in time
with mine. And that's my gift: To take your spots
and make your pelt my own, my stillborn cub.


Inspired by this story.