I bolted down my tongue with pearly-white nails,
it pulled in every direction
resisting the prison in my skull.

My tongue would rip itself free,
sawing itself against my teeth,
ensuring we both die when I bleed.

Our lifelines tied,
I bit my tongue to keep our peace.
I bit my tongue to keep you.

One day, my tongue clicked:
Why host this battle within when you can wage war with him?

Resolve restored my spine.
Whether it belonged to my demons or me,
there was only one way to find out.

I unhinge my jaw
and relax my grin
my unpracticed tongue dances free
salt spills out
unhindered by my gritted teeth.

My tongue lashes out
first,
close to your heart.

Next,
your head
yes,
that one.

the other one is next