Open Wide - Marika Hackman

He’s on the wall

The god that you love

The curtains halfway drawn

Who’s out there?

The lighter on the bed

The petrol in your head

The fire at your door

Still hungry

What’s your favourite game to play

Lying on your back all day?

You could run

Step outside and watch it burn

Stupid thing

Open wide and let them in

The flannel on the floor

The purple round your mouth

You washed it until it’s sore

And shining

I watched you from the bed

Putting on your face

A child in a mask

A child

What’s your favourite game to play

Lying on your back all day?