(a lunar pull)

My heart is pinned to the ground

a stake through it down into the dirt

Like a real-estate sign bedazzled with large plastic grins

I got kissed on the top of my head

-and snatched it up and put it in my pocket

to keep safe

to keep forever

to twirl in my fingers gingerly, tenderly, intentionally

in the pocket of my coat

while I wait in line at the grocery store.

Every sweet smirk, every gentle touch, every door held open, every tone of voice

I hold to my chest-a bouquet of flowers

It overflows

Like a stuffed toilet

It bubbles and sometimes becomes very messy.

Unpleasant.

A blade comes down and splits me from head to toe

and I drop my moonstone, breaking it clean in half

I smile because now I have two.