The Ear

Like a canine embryo

in a chemical dye.

Like a burst calf's lip .

Like snails in wine.

Like a bleeding purse.

The bitten ear

setting in its blood

on the white stripe

in the middle of the road.

The man with the sovvies

cupping his hands

to the gouting cavity

in the side of his head

did not ask the boy for help

doesn't need his towel

or his basin of salty water.