Harelip (Tomahawk)

I am the harelip. Give me one more kiss. We'll have a mardi gras on deserted streets. Fingers and forceps. Raw meat and muzak. The bubbles in the wine keep the nerves dead. I was awake all through the surgery. The people dancing, laughing, all for me. You sewed me up but it will never heal. Will I forget then learn to smile some day. Potbellied sick bed. All scars and sweet breads. A lonely vacation, your own Disney parade. It's all that he has. Clamped up by Walkmans. A midnight waiting room. Hear the distant screams. I was awake all through the surgery. The people dancing, laughing, all for me. You sewed me up but it will never heal. Will I forget then learn to smile some day.