The Aztecs, it is said

tore still beating hearts from their living victims

then held them aloft

slimy, quivering

an offering to the gods.

 

The body left behind

twitches

Nerves, fibers vainly try to

bridge the gaping void

heal the impossible wound

stanch the flooding bloody flow.

 

Beyond ability

beyond knowledge

beyond reason;

this attempt to continue

      (the body’s purpose is to live!)

is futile.

 

For who can live without a heart?