all along

“all along”
whispers stunning
clarity in the hand
of the moment
of vulnerability
“all along”

exposed, raw, naked, cracked open
the pulpy flesh of you spread
out on this rock
“all along”

safety, protection, security, assurances
the cactus-spined armor of you spread
out on this rock
“all along”

a meal, a feast, an offering, a sacrifice
the whole raw animal of you spread
out on this rock
“all along”

“soil in other terms”
she whispers
“you have been here all along”