Tripe

I keep a tight hold on my silly, pulsing heart
Leashed as it is
Lest it slip from out its steel safety cage
And meet with a semi-trailer train-wreck in progress

Outside the narrow confines
of my secure little safety cell
Airbagged, ABS'ed, Roll Caged, three-point-seat-belted,
Tautly reined;

But my own firm and frightened talons bruise it too
At every involuntary beat-
LungBagged, Rib Caged, and purple veined.