It's when I need the words
The most that they get jammed
In the back of my throat like
I just swallowed a nail and
The rusted point rips my gullet
As I spurt it up with congealed blood.

It's when I need the words
The most that my entrails
Wind like a python round my
Lungs and squeeze them tight
Until they burst.

It's when I need the words
The most that my eyes swell
And drip — red and sore — until
I swallow and forget.

It's when I need the words
The most. Then, I look and
See there is nobody.

It's when I need the words
The most.

It's when I need the words
The most.