Christmas tale

Thread-seamed, in the centre hung
A bubonic mass; a Christmas patchwork
Of red and green.

The December dogs followed her
Like sons, swording through her
Bags with their loaves of tongues.

Brown boar-chops padded her thick thighs
(Heart parts, perhaps). But be careful;
Count them—number and label

Yesterday's young lovers:
Have they forgot
    Why she wore her favourite dress?

Dale Chou
2005-12-20