fragments

I noticed dry blood
around the corners of her lips.
I asked ‘why did you do it?’.
while tourniqueting her arm,
taking her attention away,
making casual conversation.

The truth is hard to conceal
in the moment of shock.
I had expected anything, but
‘ I was a vampire and needed to feed.’
I shut my mouth and tilted my head to my shoulder,
feeling sudden attachment to my jugular.

As far as the official story goes,
the thought of Jesus being nailed to the cross.
She eased the pain of compassion
with the pain of her flesh.

It’s a wonder how the human mind can find balance
on a narrow ledge, half a step from Jesus and half from a vampire.
© 2011 by Nina K Orlovskaya