It

It was easier to do it myself,

press it firmly between thumb and pointer

pull out its uncertain taste buds

a planet of blood takes its place.

Or I could wait my turn–

as the rest of the women wait on line

each one, sucking on pliers

tongues torn out like paper.

If I am to be silenced,

I much prefer to do it myself

so I swallow my tongue

before they snatch it away,

digesting every word, every protest

every scream sewed into the muscle

still living inside me.