enemy of memory

[im_under_water]

I tricked a heart machine to beating.
    wooden and clockwork
no satisfying click when you turn the key
...a stretched out rubber band
but, the melody will play if coerced
    stilted
some of the notes gone sour
left at the shore
left in the sun
the screws are rusted,
and the whole thing smells of the sea
clicking and grinding of sand in the gears
each smooth cog painted with brushstroke scratches
sound of footsteps in the stairwell when you shake it...
makes a heart halt