i

The voices tell me, softly
incessantly,
how to slit (diagonally)
stubborn skin
until hot blood spills
profusely like pearly cream
from a lover's mouth.

     ii

The voices tell me, softly
persistently,
how to slip-knot
an abaca rope
properly to hold
tenaciously
weight above ground.

     iii

The voices tell me, softly
ceaselessly,
how to tie
a garbage bag
without its usual wire
around still neck.

     iv

The voices tell me, softly
constantly,
how to set hair
on fire
without marring
the art of pyromaniacs.

     v

The voices tell me, softly
perpetually,
how to roll
the car
into a patch of black ice
letting it skid slip slide
into oblivion.

     vi

The voices tell me, softly
continually,
how to pop pills (daily)
surreptitiously into open mouth
without overflowing
like pearly cream
from a lover's mouth.