Skin in the Game

black charcoal chunks 

and grey soot smouldering, 

frozen chicken didn't thaw, 

raw and burnt, peeling 

skin, like lips curled in mockery 

or anguish, but still bleeding

pity-praise from friends for the “good effort” 

bitter smoke stuck to skin 

and scalp, won’t come out

even after they’ve all left 

She does her own tattoos,

scribbled rainbows and cartoon 

smiley faces scabbing 

like dried snake skin, I bite with my eyes

fresh, behold, unique. 

two days apart from hers

a geometric wolf etched with a wicked grin

my roommate’s elbow peels and fissures

black ink, brown skin,

red blood, oozing

decrepit leather armor