sometimes
the words 
that I use
are too heavy
for paper and
sink beneath
the surface

words like beaten
suicidal and cut
are too dense for
fiber to hold
together
so meanings turn and

slump to the empty
side of the page
hide the blur
of an empty father

punctuate smacks 
slaps and jabs 
work-stained hands 
leaving blackness
and blue behind my eyes