Night Stories (Revision)

[Todd]

Revision

The moon oscillates between hunger 
and gluttony, and Grandmother’s stomach 
is distended beneath the blankets.
A bonnet flops over one ear 
and her eyes are empty
dinner plates.
She has exchanged the dry-leaf kisses
of old age for a wet smile 
that would slice the skin 
from little girls, 
who leave the forest path. 
The blood pulses 
in your head like a knocking
door only three steps—
too far away, and you can’t help
but comment on Grandmother’s 
open mouth.


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Made a slight adjustment per Richard. It doesn't need another revision for that.

Original

The moon oscillates between hunger 
and gluttony, and Grandmother’s stomach 
is distended beneath the blankets.
A bonnet flops over one ear 
and her eyes are empty
dinner plates.
She has exchanged the dry-leaf kisses
of old age for a wet smile 
that would slice the skin 
from little girls, 
who leave the forest path.
Your feet take root
and you can’t help 
but comment on Grandmother’s 
open mouth.