The Kill Floor

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The clack of your boots / on my hardwood floor
………is something I imagine

—————-the livestock come to listen for / and whether or not
………there’s a rhythm they instinctively know / before you lock them in

to bear / I know there are exactly
…….. 32 before you reach / the foot of my bed

…………….before I know / you’ll put those same hands
……..around my waist / & up my blouse

as if you were / taking my measurements to have me
……..seated there: fitted & strapped / ready to listen

……………..for that last pop / of air.