Tina Vorreyer is a graduate of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where she received her BA in Theatre Arts and minored in Creative Writing. She has been published in three anthologies titled, “Wisconsin’s Best Emerging Poets”, “Illinois’ Best Emerging Poets”, and “America’s Emerging Poets 2018”.
Motherly Advice
If, according to my mother, a metallic spoon can be utilized to kill –
So can your fore-finger.
The key is to envision the first digit on your dominant hand as a shank.
My mother made the mistake of envisioning it as a sword.
Short handle, long vertical blade. It doesn’t work.
If you cannot envision it correctly, why bother?
The nail – preferably longer than the tip of your finger – can slice
Through the thickest of skins.
The three bones, locked, transform into the shaft
Of your DNA based, three and a half inch, shaved toothbrush.
Warning: although Collagen is sturdier than cheap hardened latex,
The finger can fracture just as easily.
Aim for the section of skin – The neck
Between the esophagus and the Trapezius –
Where central arteries are easy to reach. Realistically.
Prepare for blood to stick to the underneath of your nail.
For if you choose to contort your limb into a weapon,
You better plan to collect a smidgen of residue.