this is the key:

snapping bones
spread wide
we set fire to sugar
and watch
until the flames get tired
even though the open
miles are kind
and I can see forgiveness
in the sweet sap
dripping pine.

at night we murmur like doves
(darkened in shade)
orioles moan
bark slowly peels
our lips become singed
and fingernails bleed
finally our teeth shake
and chew through the trees.

yesterday we ate pomegranate seeds,
you rolled up your sleeves
and fed them to me.

fading gaze that floats
mountain slope
tapestry smoke
deafening weight
fox at our feet
dry dust and land
combing through sand
just to find
the legs of dead crabs
the roar of remorse
hollow throat
pearls peeling from our skin
knuckles crack
like howling trees

all the
things to master
when it's hard to sleep.