i suppose the illegality is thrilling?

i am a poacher.

i stole my name. my real name.

i went on a name safari,
wandering through the deserts
and rainforests searching--
but i didn't have a guide

so i got lost a few times
and there were a few
mosquitos that almost drained

me completely--
hoping i would stumble upon
a name to make me feel myself.

i found one. it was so beautiful,
drinking there elegantly. gracefully

extending its soft neck with easy vowels
its smooth tongue caressing the inside
of my cheeks
at the waterhole of all the names in the world.
it didn't see me though. it didn't suspect anything.

i shot, i struck.

i skinned it alive.
i took it home.