ghost limb

she touched the arm to feel the pain
except
there was no arm there
only a memory, a ‘ghost’ limb.

she touched his arm to feel the comfort
except
there was no arm there
only a memory, a ‘ghost’ lover.

it had only been a few minutes
since the tiger had chewed it off –
all of it.

it had only been a few days
since he had chewed off the ties –
all of it.

one moment
a few seconds
her right arm.

one moment
a few seconds
his entire presence.

a trusted friend
yet a tiger after all
tasted blood and couldn’t stop.

a trusted friend
yet a man after all
tasted blood and couldn’t stop.