On Self-Flagellating

I am affected by our devotions to our failings
As we gesture at the feet we wash
Pressed firmly through their arches,
Toes seeking heels around our throats.
A true and deep and torturous faith
Is hard to come by these days
So why not cling to ours?

Why not cling to the rock and dessicate
So we can be struck by your brittle sacrifice as we pass?
And remark on the definition of your spine
And hold you up by your tail and lament
At how this could happen to one of gods creatures
If only we'd come by sooner
We might have startled you out of the glare
Dear boot make me other than what I want
I want to be a blessing and not another creature

Votive cupped and cradled hot in hand
Held up to the light and swallowed whole
Cheap tinny cup scratching down before the flame
Hot wax smoothing movement
Through the retching prophylactic litanies
For brittle immortal selves
Pressing indents into soft opposable pads
Dear friends forgive me for pressing my back into your wants
I want to be creature and not another blessing

Do you see how obedient we are,
How pious and good?