1. A filament, light as breath, at the base of a feather;
   supple and strong, it extends beside the shaft
   and will not be bent back.
   

2. The whisker of a cat, vibrissa,
   resonating with the slightest brush against a fence
   as its feline owner slips silent toward home or prey.
   

3. A sharp, curved hook at the tip of a quill,
   evil and stubborn, designed to tear those foolish enough
   to try pulling it out.
   

4. Bristle, stubble,
   the tough stalks of grass or wheat after the field has been mown;
   any man's chin in the languid morning.
   

5. Barbiturate, downer, reds, a big sleep.
   Marilyn's lover and escape;
   a lying promise of peace.
   

6. White linen binding a face,
   covering a lady's forehead, cheeks, chin, throat;
   the soft cloth traces the line of smooth, hidden skin.
   

7. Darting fish, tiger-striped,
   or stamping horse, skittish and wild, nostrils wide;
   creatures like quicksilver, gone with the flick of a tail.
   

8. Sharp, stabbing, pointed arrow,
   fletched with bristling stiff feathers cut close to the shaft,
   metal-tipped, true-flying, sure of hitting its mark.
   

9. A phrase, insinuating or blunt;
   a jab, a cut, an insult, wit with a sting;
   words from a wicked tongue.
   

10. A woman standing before you, hands on hips,
    chin raised,
    daring you to go further.

4/7/96

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