I swallow creatures whole
each succulent bird
slippery amphibian
surprised wolf
sweet singing child

I never bite nor chew them up
only taste of their descent
ricocheting, bouncing they land
in the acid embrace of my desires

hoping, dreaming, absorbing
each word, sound and thought
all movements and skills

I inhale their spirits
effervescent as they ascend
they will complete me

a sum of all their parts