Ecstasy at 3PM

this time
 Claire’s made sure 
  to lock the door

when she does it
 under the sheets
 her legs feel as if they
  lifted themselves away 

 trembling, reddened
 she shudders

smells the sour starlings again
 hears their crack! whirl!
  behind her headboard

the Virgin manifests 
in the waterstain
on the ceiling  her eyes downcast
   modest  
   pale finger to her lips

Claire knows she’s always watching

 irises multiply 
between her legs
 the stamens scratch her thighs

she hides a razor blade
 under her tongue
  pulls it out
   to help them along