Learning to breathe                                                                              
                          unnecessary                                             
it's
unconsidered, unstudied
yet measured precisely
its rise
           and fall
a predetermined sentence.
A blue insolence
puffs a cheek
shakes a head
to refuse
but a mocking gasp
cries out the deceit of will
calls me a liar


Objections not withstanding
                                          unheeded
this
unsecured, unruly
life, insists on its course
to rise  
              and fall
and though I deny it
The strong percussion
twixt collar and breastbone
resonates  within
A taut skin
played with skillful finger.
Sings like the confession
of one accused.