I wish I could take language
And fold it like cool, moist rags.
I would lay words on your forehead.
I would wrap words on your wrists.
“There, there, my words would say -
Or something better.
I would ask them to murmur,
“Hush,” and “Shh, shhh, it’s all right.”
I would ask them to hold you all night.
I wish I could take language
And daub and soothe and cool
Where fever turns yourself against you.
I wish I could take language
And heal the words that were the wounds
You have no names for.