SEARING OFF
poetic – truly acidic;
the way this gender
is taught to beat
tender into submission.
i saw the iron
flee from the steak;
seasoned, cooked
too perfectly
to be considered
my first.
the way it bled
onto the carpet
as it was passed -
fire to the plate.
fibers turning plump
absorbing the juice
and burnt bits
which trickled down
my knuckles -,
burning.