Janna King

THE MINUTEST ARTIFACT

Devotion’s an unspoiled example of the minutest

artifact possessing wealth. Their problematic women

may tolerate no participation beyond what is necessary

between two people. Much of contact

will be without hope: a risk, easily abandoned.

Limbs must proceed softly or face defeat.

Only if using a very firm delicacy can men shape or press.

Their whole tarnished nature wishes the curious heart

the ability to split and level out that frame

of which women subsist, habitually through beauty.

Unable to lie concealed, we convey

in our too candid faces

the truth between and in us, like clear, hot fact.