Instrument

I rang the piano dry
of song, unforgetful,
an adulteress, used
and spent. And in
the 	silence

– our parting –

cracked ivory tusk
fell     away from skin
fell       away from bone
fell	
	  song into the air

echoed 
	song into the air.

And with yellow light,
corrupted, slowly callous tips,
brought bruises to
   my fingernails.

Now it mocks me in
the light, an entire existence
shaded except the brilliant
absorption of its damp
black and white teeth.

They salivated all over
me;  I am soaked.