Rope

binding twine,
burns at my skin,
passed thrice round my neck,
pulls bruises within.

thick knots of choke-rope,
split weals: shiny red,
coiled circles, in spirals,
hog-tied, I am bled.

strands pass between us,
my two legs drained dead,
screams tied to my throat,
by the love I'm force-fed.

in bondage beside you,
my flesh hid in rope,
wound over and under
in lies and false hope,

I suck air for courage,
pull blades through the bonds
but the knots have grown oaken,
for I've lain here too long.