Shock Value

The first photo I will show you
is one I call Girl at the Meat Market.

You will notice her cleaver
resting on a tree stump block,
the pig's leg she holds with one hand
as her knife slides up its skin.

I will be sure to point out
the bucket of fish eyes near her feet,
the goat heads draped across the back wall.

You will ask me if I shopped there often
and I will say No. No, I was too afraid
after seeing snakes beneath the blankets.

Snakes?  You will ask.
Here, I will say, turning the page.
Here. Let me show you.