My ancestors had no word for restraint.
I have one now. It weighs eight ounces
and fits in my hand like a full stop.

My ancestors spoke in full sentences.
Stone on bone, no ambiguity,
no one left wondering what was meant.
I learned a smaller alphabet.
Behind the ear
where the acoustics are better.

The sound is different. Stone was honest. If I was honest:

BIG CLUB. CRACK BONE. SMASH FACE. MAKE FLAT. BREAK. BREAK. BREAK.




But I have a blackjack. And an appointment.

Penned by my hand on the 3rd of Aeguary, in the year 1002 AF.