splintered wrists & roseate ribbons
(her) dilated/doe eyes translucent
gaunt fingers twirling venetian red
babyfine locks single strands hollow
& desiccated fall against pallid skin
(she) stretches bones creaking with
paper skin crackling sea salt rash
irritating the skin the mermaid buries
within the sand & awaits the rising
tides she clutches the pearl in her
palm to quell the searing of her skin
& shuts her eyes searching for a star
on the back of her eyelids
