My sharp blade carves your initial
Its slender shape names this effigy, as you
Your mortal body bound to this woven doll
My fingers tighten their hold, constricting your breath
All harm you’ve done is returning to you
As needles pierce and slowly break skin
Drawn lines of blood spring from cloth
What was mine is now yours
My suffering returned to you
The balance of power now lies in my hands
copyright © 2019 Karen Horsley