Needles to Say

Needles to Say

What butterflies. Do you mean
this pincushion. In my throat.

Can the voice slither between
the spikes of a burr, float

through half-chewed pine
or pinprick needle eyes.

Well, can you hear me fine.
Hand me that First Prize

for Oral and Dental Fortitude.
I’d like to thank the phonograph,

its single fang that protrudes
to speak on the vinyl’s behalf.