Squid

Sliding her suckers along the cold tiles
Squeaks pops and slaps
A slippery suction as she wraps
One of her tentacles around my ankle

Let go
You didn't sing your song loud enough
It wasn't sweet enough for me today
So off you go
Into the kitchen

She stops the circulation in my foot
I grab her head and slide her
On to the chopping board
Slice
Scrape
Chop
Her arms flail and curl into themselves


NOT THIS TIME
She grows stronger, darker
Looks me in the eye
Snatches the knife
Chops off my finger
Slices it up
Sizzles it in oil
Eats it hot dipped in sauce

And warns me
Never to make her
Sing on demand again

I agree
Next week we dance.

                                                                                                                        Shay Crinkle 2015