Chrysalis

Coming home from electrolysis
we think about the things
we wish someone had told us

Back when we still had time —
like, “if you want to be
a monster, you can just

Slice open your skin and step
out into the welcoming shadows

In the woods by the side of the road
— hunt birds, drink insect blood

And grow scales, and faces
to lure boys to their death
when they drive by

Leaning out the window
screaming things